Boat Maintenance Guidelines: Cleaning and Waxing Your Boat
After a summer out and about on the water, it might be time to give your boat a good clean and a wax to keep it shipshape and protected from the elements.
The more often you use your boat, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned and waxed.
As a general guideline, most boats should be cleaned and waxed at least once a year, and more frequently for those that are used frequently or exposed to harsh conditions.
Boats that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as saltwater, direct sunlight and high humidity, will need to be cleaned and waxed more frequently.
Proper maintenance, such as rinsing the boat after use and storing it in a covered area, can help extend the time between cleaning and waxing.
It's also important to inspect the boat regularly and address any issues, such as oxidation or discoloration, as soon as they arise to prevent damage and keep the boat looking its best.
Right conditions
It is best to clean and wax a boat in moderate weather conditions, when the surface is not too hot to the touch, and there is minimal risk of rain. Ideal conditions for cleaning and waxing a boat are:
- Temperature: 15-27°C
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Sunlight: Bright but not direct, overcast conditions are ideal
Undertaking this task in extreme weather conditions, such as very hot or very cold temperatures, high humidity or direct sunlight, can make it difficult to achieve the desired results and can also increase the risk of damage to the boat's surface. If you must clean and wax in extreme conditions, take the necessary precautions, such as providing shade or using a fan to keep the boat's surface cool, to ensure the best results.
Process
The steps involved are:
- Preparation: Rinse the boat to remove loose dirt and debris. Cover windows, electronics and other sensitive areas to protect them from cleaning solutions.
- Cleaning: Use a boat soap solution and a soft cloth or brush to wash the boat's surface, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas. Rinse the boat thoroughly with clean water.
- Spot cleaning: Tackle any stubborn stains or discoloration using a specialised cleaner or vinegar solution.
- Drying: Use a soft towel or chamois to dry the boat thoroughly, paying extra attention to crevices and tight spaces where water can accumulate.
- Sanding: If necessary, sand any oxidation or scratches with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe away the sanding dust.
- Waxing: Apply a boat wax using a clean cloth, following the manufacturer's instructions. Let the wax dry to a haze and then buff it to a shine using a clean cloth.
- Final touch-up: Check for any missed spots and touch up as necessary.
Note: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the products you are using and test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the entire boat.
Products
In Australia, some popular boat cleaning and waxing products include:
- 3M Marine Cleaner and Wax
- Starbrite Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner and Restorer
- Shurhold Marine Cleaner and Wax
- Meguiar's Marine/RV Cleaner Wax
- Collinite Fleetwax
These are just some examples and there are many more brands and products available in Australia. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the products you are using and test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the entire boat.
Equipment
Make sure you have the right tools and equipment before you start the job, or you could be caught short mid-clean. The following is a good guide for what you’ll need to have on hand:
- A bucket for mixing cleaning solution
- Soft cloths or sponges for washing and waxing
- A brush or scrubber for heavy-duty cleaning
- Fine-grit sandpaper for sanding oxidation or scratches
- A chamois or soft towel for drying
- Protective coverings for windows, electronics, and other sensitive areas
- Specialised cleaners for spot cleaning (if needed)
- A wax applicator pad or cloth
- A buffer or polisher (optional)
For more information on maintaining your boat, you can also check out the following Trade a Boat articles: