Have you recently bought a boat? If so, there are several cleaning mistakes you should avoid making as a new boat owner. If you don’t give your new boat the proper care it needs then you might cause long-term damage to its surface and components which can get expensive to fix.
Keep reading to learn about these common boat cleaning mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Rinse First
One of the first things you need to do when you get ready to wash your boat is to rinse it with clean, fresh water. Even though you have just pulled it out of the water you need to rinse off all the dirt, mud, salt, and other marine debris it picked up along the way. If you don’t rinse with clean water before you start scrubbing you risk scratching the clear coat on your hull.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to be in the habit of rinsing your boat as soon as you pull it out of the water. Most marinas have an area with access to a hose or even a boat washing station.
2. Not Using the Right Cleaners
One common mistake new boat owners make is using the wrong cleaners for the interior and exterior of the vessel. It might feel similar to washing a car but it is fundamentally different.
Since there are different materials that make up the inside and the outside of the boat, you will need different cleaners for each area. This will help them be able to resist the wear and tear it will experience when you are enjoying the day out on the water.
For the exterior of the boat, you will need a hull polish that will help remove the build-up. If you are looking for a spot-free shine, read this article to learn about the different supplies that are necessary to get the look you want.
3. Failing to Cover Your Boat When Stored
When you are not using your boat you should cover it to protect it from the weather, the sun, pests, and rodents. If you don’t cover it the upholstery can get damaged and may dry rot. Also, pests and rodents might make your boat their new home and use its different components to help them build their nests.
Even if you aren’t storing your boat for a long time, it is still a good idea to get a good boat cover for it. This will help preserve all the upholstery, any plastic pieces, and keep the sun from fading the finish.
Learn More About These Common Boat Cleaning Mistakes Today!
These are some of the most common boat cleaning mistakes that new owners make on a regular basis. After a fun day out on the water, you should rinse your boat off as soon as you pull it out of the water or as soon as you get home.
Make sure to use cleaning products that are specifically made for your boats’ interior and exterior. Lastly, always make sure to cover it when it is placed in storage.
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