| If you have a new or used boat for sale, remember - | | | | method you choose, be sure to remove water before |
| first impressions count. | | | | the water spots appear. |
| We've put together a handy guide to help you keep | | | | Wax Your Boat |
| your boat in ship shape and Bristol fashion! | | | | One of the most important parts of the waxing |
| What You'll Need | | | | process is to properly prepare the surface. Use a |
| Soft Rags, Wax, Soap, Sponge, Squeegee Compound | | | | fibreglass hull cleaner to remove barnacles and algae. |
| (for removing deep scratches), Scrub Brush, Boat pole | | | | Boat wax usually contains powerful acid cleaner so |
| and scrub brush attachment, Hose with a water | | | | always take precautions to avoid breathing the fumes |
| source | | | | and protect your skin. Be careful not get on any metal, |
| Wash Your Boat | | | | as this will cause corrosion. Use lots of clean rags |
| Rinsing your boat regularly with freshwater, will reduce | | | | when waxing your boat. |
| the amount of time needed to wash and wax your | | | | Oxidized Gelcoats |
| boat. Start by spraying the entire boat with a fine | | | | If you choose to use an oxidation remover, start with |
| spray. Not only do you rinse the outside, but also the | | | | the least aggressive rubbing compound available. If |
| inside and under side of the top. If it's a sail boat, try to | | | | your boat's gelcoat is oxidized but not too severely i.e. |
| hit as high up on the mast and rigging as possible. It | | | | if it has a moderate-dull look, choose a fine rubbing |
| takes a minute or two for dry salt crystals to dissolve | | | | compound. Remember, when using abrasives they will |
| completely, so after a few minutes hose it down | | | | actually remove the gelcoat. If your gelcoat is severely |
| thoroughly then give it a final rinse, starting from the top | | | | oxidized, talk to your local boat yard and have it done |
| and moving doing the hull sides last. If you have an | | | | professionally. |
| outboard boat, don't forget to do the engines, including | | | | Of course, is time is of the essence and money is no |
| the undersides of the mount brackets. | | | | object, you could always use a professional boat |
| Washing your boat with a high-quality marine soap, | | | | cleaning service. These are becoming increasingly |
| rather than a standard household cleaner is kinder to | | | | popular in the sailing world. |
| the boat. Domestic cleaning solutions have very high | | | | Be Green! |
| alkaline levels and will strip the wax off your boat's hull | | | | Most cleaning products contain chemicals which disrupt |
| a lot faster than a specialist marine soap. It could also | | | | the reproductive cycle of fish. Detergents containing |
| scratch the gelcoat if they are not removed | | | | phosphates may result in damage to aquatic life. |
| thoroughly. | | | | Products used on boat hulls and decks may contain |
| Use a soft bristled deck brush for cleaning cushions | | | | chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, |
| and canvas and never use a brush on any plastic | | | | also harmful to the aquatic environment. |
| curtains. Imitation lamb's wool brushes are the least | | | | Remember! For the best overall maintenance for your |
| abrasive on bright finishes. For tougher areas, choose | | | | boat, preventative care is the key. Take time to rinse, |
| a natural bristle brush. Avoid stiff bristles as these will | | | | clean and wax your boat regularly and your boat will |
| scratch. | | | | keep ship shape for years to come. |
| Always dry your boat thoroughly. Whatever drying | | | | |