Owning a boat can be a dream come true. It’s fun, useful, and can even be profitable. However, like owning any vehicle, boat ownership comes with the all-important responsibility to keep your ride in good working order. The most obvious boat maintenance includes regular mechanic checkups, regular operation, and specialized motor care, but did you know that detailing is also an important component of your boat’s care? Read on for five simple steps to detail your own boat to maintain its appearance and lengthen its lifespan.
1. Rinse Your Boat Thoroughly
First, give your boat a thorough rinse to remove all of the loose debris, mud, and salt that might have collected on it. Skipping this step will result in scratches as the grime is pushed around the body of the boat.
Start at the top and work your way down using a hose with a powerful stream. A hose head attachment will usually create adequate pressure, so a pressure washer isn’t necessary, though it will make the job faster.
2. Using High-Quality Soap, Scrub the Boat Thoroughly
While this step might seem tedious, it’s a vital part of cleaning and caring for your boat. In addition to removing whatever stubborn grime won’t come off with a rinse, scrubbing down your boat will help you identify any minor damage that could cause major problems in the future.
Using a rag or sponge that won’t damage the boat, scrub and rinse small parts of the body at a time. It’s important not to let the soap dry, as it could leave streaks and damage the finish.
3. Don’t Forget to Buff Your Boat
Though many people think that buffing is purely an aesthetic step, it’s actually incredibly important for prepping your boat to be waxed. It provides a smooth surface for the wax and clears away any dirt lodged in minor scrapes, in addition to ensuring a shine that makes your boat look brand new.
You can buff the boat either by hand or with a rotary buffer. Make sure you use a high-quality buffing compound, but don’t use too much.
4. Wax Your Boat
Waxing is a vital part of the boat detailing process that will make future care of the vehicle even easier. The wax will help repel mud, grime, and salt from the body of the boat on future trips, making it easier to clean in the future. It also has the added benefit of keeping your boat looking new longer.
5. Detail the Interior
Now that the body of the boat is shining like new, you’ll want to make sure the inside gets the same treatment. First wash the interior with high-quality soap and water. Many boats can be sprayed with a hose because they have built-in drains, but always make sure to avoid any electronic components if you decide to use this method.
In addition to washing the inside of your boat, vacuum any fabric surfaces, wipe down any vinyl seats, polish the metal, and care for any rubber fittings as needed. Proper care for rubber and metal is especially important if you often take your boat on saltwater, where the dried spray can cause increased damage.
Too Busy to DIY?
Making sure to properly clean and detail your boat not only will increase its lifespan and resale value, but will also ensure that future maintenance is quicker and easier. Keeping your boat in top condition will give you a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water. Regular detailing is just as important as motor and electronic maintenance, making it a must for all boat owners.
Hiring a vehicle detailing specialist can save you time and energy, ensuring that you get the maximum enjoyment out of your boat with minimal effort on your part! Even if you regularly detail your own boat, having a professional care for your vehicle regularly will ensure that all components of your vehicle are given the specialized attention they deserve.
