6 Boat Cleaning Mistakes New Boaters Should Avoid

Among the many boat owners, there are many who are experienced on the water, but there are also many newbies. Newbies often make mistakes when cleaning their boats because they don't know how to clean and maintain them. In fact, making mistakes when you are just learning to clean your boat is common, but not unavoidable. In this article, we cover common boat cleaning mistakes made by novice boat owners, as well as cleaning tips to avoid making them.

Using the Wrong Cleaner

In the boating world, many boat owners think that cleaning a boat is like cleaning a car, when in fact the two differ greatly in the cleaning tools and solutions required. Boats are made up of a variety of materials on the inside and outside and need to be maintained with different cleaners, such as marine soap, hull polish for treating hull finishes and removing marine buildup, metal polish for metal parts, and glass cleaner or mild cleaner for cleaning metal that will accelerate rusting. Many new boat owners use the wrong cleaners when cleaning their boats, which not only fails to achieve good cleaning results, but can also damage the boat. Only by using the right cleaning tools and cleaners can you better protect your boat and extend its life.

Not rinsing the boat before scrubbing

Not rinsing the boat before scrubbing is one of the common mistakes new boat owners make when cleaning their boats. Even if the boat is in the water all day, it will still get dirty, mud and debris. If these are not rinsed off before scrubbing the hull, they are likely to seriously damage the boat's finish. A little bit of inattention, even just a little bit of dirt and grime, can scratch the boat's clear coat.

Before each cleaning of the boat, it needs to be hauled out of the water and rinsed, and rinsed again before the cleaning officially begins, and doing so removes any surface dirt that could scratch the paint. Once rinsed, it is safe to scrub. Be sure to use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to minimize the risk of scratches damaging paintwork.

Forgetting to check the propeller

Forgetting to check the propeller, which is the key component that keeps the boat moving quickly through the water, is a common mistake that novice boat owners make when cleaning their boats. Although it is designed to be durable and relatively simple to maintain on a daily basis, meticulously inspecting it before every boat trip and after hauling your boat out of the water is an essential part of the daily care and maintenance of your boat.

When inspecting, look for signs of debris and corrosion on the paddle blades, and look closely at the propeller for algae, fishing line, rope, or any other debris that may have gotten tangled on it. If you find things wrapped around the paddle blades or brackets, they need to be cleaned off promptly, and if left alone, they're sure to damage your boat and propeller.

Storing your boat without covering it

Unless you get to sail your boat every day for a whole year, you need to store it. A common mistake that many new boat owners make is to store their boats uncovered, which can put the boat at risk of being damaged. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause the boat's upholstery and wooden parts to dry out and rot. Rats, vermin, and the like can also get into the boat, making nests in various materials and damaging the boat's electronics. Whether you plan to store your boat for a long period of time or just until the weekend, it's a good idea to cover the boat before storing it so that the interior of the boat remains intact, and the various parts of the boat continue to function properly even after a long period of storage.

Allow the boat to dry naturally

After hauling a boat out of the water, it is a good idea to let it dry naturally, and many people think that this is okay, but it is actually the wrong thing to do. Many boats will have white spots on the surface finish of the boat after it has dried naturally. These spots may not do substantial damage to the gelcoat and the fiberglass underneath it, but they can make your boat look dirtier than it actually is. When the water dries, it leaves a mineral trail that makes the boat's finish look dull. The proper way to do this is to dry the boat with a soft microfiber cloth or chamois, which removes the water and keeps the boat shiny.

Neglecting to clean the upholstery

The cushions on a boat are one of the most frequently used parts of the boat and are prone to getting dirty and damaged, even when protected by marine-grade vinyl, and many new boat owners tend to neglect this part of the boat when cleaning it. To keep your cushions in good condition at all times, you need to clean them frequently. Wipe off any dirt spilled on them and vacuum them regularly to remove dust and dirt. If you notice that mold is starting to grow on the surface of the cushions, remove the stains with a marine-grade vinyl cleaner that won't damage the cushions, or you can use a special mold and mildew stain remover to keep the cushions soft and comfortable.