Boat Cleaning 101 | 5 Great Products to Keep you Boating in Style

Now that warmer weather has arrived, it’s time to get your boat ready for boating season!   From time to time you will need the help of “cleaning specialists” to keep your boat in great shape. You should also be prepared to keep up the general maintenance on your boat throughout the season. Your boat is exposed to the elements all year long, whether on the dock during the summer or in storage for the winter. The right products can help maintain, restore, or increase your boats resale value.

Looking for the right products this summer for your boat? Here are a few tips for keeping it clean and looking its best.

First, start with always using a clean surface rinsed with fresh water to remove any built up dirt or residue left over from winter storage. Often this step is overlooked and "old dirt" is scrubbed in with soaps/cleaners which can act as an abrasive (scratching or staining the surface).

Second, make sure you use the right tools for the job. The proper deck brushes, applicators and clean cloths will make your job easier!

The next step is using the right products. Your boat deserves the best! Here are 5 must-haves for your boat manitenance. 

1. For general cleaning we recommend Captain Phab’s Purple Power. Purple Power is a great all-purpose cleaner. It works great for cleaning the deck or swim platform on your boat. This product should be diluted with water before using on your boat. It is also biodegradable which makes it great for using around the water.
2. Left over sticky residue from stickers or packaging left on your boat? This is the perfect cleaner to use. 3M Citrus Based Cleaner is fantastic for removing adhesive residues, oils, and marks that just won’t come off!
3. For an environmentally friendly product Universal Stone is suggested to remove hard to clean stains, grease, and even polishes metals! This use everywhere cleaner is safe and natural, great for using around the lake. To apply you wipe the damp sponge on the stones surfaces and make it soapy. Then apply the sponge to whatever needs cleaning.
4. Spider or bug problems? Bug-Tek is an innovative new product that stops bugs from coming onto your boat! It is long lasting, non-staining and non-toxic. It is simply sprayed on any surface. It is also great for keeping away mosquitos!
5. And lastly, for getting rid of black marks left on your hull from rain water run off try Black Streak Remover. This product can be sprayed directly on to your hull but should be washed off with water and never used on vinyl seats!  

Stop in at the a marina store for more tips and advice in boat maintenance! We just happen to have a fantastic one at Len's Cove Marina!