Boat Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Any Angler Can Tackle

As fanatical fishermen, all we want to do is fish. However, keeping the vessel from which we ply our craft neat and clean is an important part of boat ownership, and an important part of our angling success. While it’s not necessary to invest back-breaking hours keeping our prize-possession looking like new, it is wise that we equip ourselves with the right tools for the job and that we clean our boat effectively and efficiently. This means making a cleaning ritual habit after each trip. The following tips will help you accomplish the chore in the shortest amount of time while preserving your boat’s good looks and protecting it from the unforgiving saltwater environment.

Utilize the correct cleaning products
Consider how your boat is manufactured. This will ensure that you select the right tools and detergents. Purchase a deck brush that is durable and capable of getting rid of stubborn slime, grime and salt, yet isn’t too harsh to damage your boat’s finish. Medium-soft bristles will usually do just fine. A deck brush with a long handle is a necessity as it will allow you to reach hard-to-reach areas while avoiding undue strain to your back and arms. Washing pads, sponges and towels, are also important to keep handy. Stow all cleaning products in the same place so you don’t waste time searching for them.

When washing your boat, use nothing but marine-grade boat soap which tackles dirt, salt and fish blood, yet is environmentally friendly. The wrong detergent (dish soap or laundry detergent) can shorten the life of the paint and/or gelcoat. Follow the instructions on the cleaning product label regarding dilution and general usage and be aware that certain ‘super concentrated’ detergents may not be suitable, as these cleansers can do harm when left unattended. Never scrub a dry boat or you will risk damaging the finish.

For efficiency sake, work from the top down and bow to stern. Lather with a sponge soaked in soapy solution, scrub and thoroughly rinse one section of your boat at a time. Start at the bow, then midship before finally working your way to the stern and cockpit. Don’t neglect the motors, lower units, props and motor mounts. These are all areas where corrosive salt tends to accumulate.

Hull & Water Line
How often you wash your hull depends on where and how the boat is stored and rate of use. For boats kept in the water, cleaning the water line where stubborn grime tends to accumulate can be done with Spray Nine®. Follow the instructions on the label and always use caution as some corrosive cleaners can remove bottom paint.


Vinyl Cushion Care
deally, cushions and bolsters should be covered or stowed when not in use. Florida’s harmful UV rays will inevitably take their toll. Clean your boat’s vinyl with the use of a soapy sponge to remove grime, fishy stuff and salty crud. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before applying a quality vinyl protectant. This extra step will help guard against stains and preserve the life of your boat’s upholstery. To tackle stubborn mildew stains on your vinyl, scrub with a mixture of 80-percent water and 20-percent ammonia. Again, thoroughly rinse and dry.

Beautiful Bright-Work 
Your rails, cleats, tower and outriggers will benefit greatly from a steady schedule of metal polishing. Polishes designed specifically for marine aluminum and stainless-steel remove rust and tarnish and protect against future erosion. There are shelves of quality cleaners and sealants available for keeping your bright-work protected, shiny and looking like new. After applying a light film, allow the polish to set for 15 minutes before thoroughly wiping off with a clean cloth. You can apply a metal protectant to create a barrier against the harsh marine environment. If your boat’s metal-work is pitted or oxidized, apply a marine metal wax to the affected area and let set overnight. In the morning, use a piece of bronze wool or crumpled aluminum foil and gently scrub off the wax. Repeated several times to the affected area, the extra effort will make a considerable difference.

Teak Care
If you have teak on your boat, regular maintenance will be required to maintain its rich color and protect the wood. It is best not to varnish your cockpit teak, especially not the sole. Instead, wash all teak-work with a mild detergent, rinse, and apply teak oil to a thoroughly dry surface. If the wood is weathered and has lost its natural color, buff gently with heavy grade sandpaper followed by a finer grade. Clean the wood, allow it to dry and apply teak oil. This will go a long way toward keeping your boat’s wood-work in boat show condition. 

Canvas Cleaning                                                                                                           
Keep your canvas clean of dirt, salty grime and feathered residue by scrubbing with a soft, soapy brush or sponge. Rinse with fresh water to remove all remaining soap residue. The use of abrasive detergents and/or substrates containing solvents may damage the fabric. As a rule; never put marine canvas in your household dryer.

Maintaining Zippers, Latches & Hinges
Along with basic cleaning, zippers, latches and hinges need to be periodically lubed by applying a clear silicone spray. Doing so will insure years of rust-free, trouble-free service. Spray silicone on to the moving parts and work back and forth or up and down before wiping clean with a dry paper towel. 

Clear Vinyl Care
Strataglass®..Isinglass®…it all comes from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has certain characteristics. Clear vinyl can be maintained and restored to like new condition with special polyvinyl polishes. Household window cleaner is not recommended. Any boater will tell you clear vinyl is notorious for water spots and salt spray, which can reduce the clarity and functionality of the vinyl enclosure. Use recommended cleaners which leave a water repellant finish like EZ2CY Yacht Enclosure Cleaner & Polish and AQUATECH Cleaner & Protectant. Use a soft cloth to apply and one to polish. Periodic waxing of your enclosure with a quality carnauba wax can also be helpful for eliminating light scratches.

Carpet Care
If your cabin is carpeted, vacuum it on a regular basis. Utilizing the specialized hose attachments will help you remove dirt and debris from hard to reach corners. To avoid stains on your boat’s carpet, it is best to avoid tracking fish slime from the deck in the first place. If the carpet is already stained, use a quality stain remover followed by a thorough steam-cleaning with a carpet machine.

Pride of Ownership
After a long day of fishing, I find that cleaning my boat is actually enjoyable. It’s the conclusion to a great day on the water. If you are anything like me, after all of the fish have been filleted, all the tackle secured and the boat thoroughly washed, you, too, admire your shiny boat and think to yourself, “Damn, I’m a lucky guy!”