Boat hulls should be washed as often as possible, especially if the boat is kept in the water. Saltwater boats should be washed after every use to prevent salt from corroding the metal and finish. A boat hull cleaning schedule can vary depending on the region, with some places recommending a 2-month cleaning frequency, and others suggesting a 3- or 4-month schedule.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How often to wash boat hull | As often as possible, especially if the boat is kept in the water |
How often to wax boat hull | Once a year if the boat is kept above water or in the garage; every three or four months if the boat is kept in the water year-round |
How often to clean boat hull | Every time the boat is brought out of the water |
How often to clean boat hull in a marina | Every two months in the San Francisco Bay Area |
What You'll Learn
How often to wash a boat hull in salt water
Salt water can cause devastating damage to boats if left without proper maintenance. Salt will almost immediately start to corrode your boat and form pox, which will first start to appear on stainless steel surfaces. If left on the boat, salt will cause chalking and pitting. The crystals from the saltwater will create scratches and cause other abrasions to your boat.
To avoid this, it is recommended to wash your boat with a cleaning agent after every trip to the sea. If this is not possible, you should at least rinse the boat with fresh water from bow to stern and rinse the engine. You should also wipe down the windows so they stand the test of time.
If your boat has a slipcover, you can wash it less often. As long as you’re washing the boat hull at least every eight weeks, you shouldn’t need much more than a standard cleaning and waxing. If your boat doesn't have a slipcover, you should wash your boat hull as often as every three or four weeks.
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The best products to clean a boat hull
There are many products available to help you clean your boat hull and keep it in top condition. Here are some of the best options:
- STAR BRITE Instant Hull Cleaner: This is a popular choice that effectively removes water scum, rust, marine growth, and stains from boat hulls. It is safe for fiberglass and painted surfaces and does not contain harmful acids.
- MaryKate MK2032 Cleaner: This hull cleaner is packed in a 32-ounce bottle and is known for its powerful formulation. It effectively removes rust, tough stain build-up, and hard water sediments. However, it is not suitable for use on metal surfaces due to its acidic nature.
- STAR BRITE EZ-On EZ-Off Hull Cleaner: This is another good option for removing marine deposits, scum lines, and rust stains. It is safe for fiberglass, iron, wood, and painted surfaces. However, it can discolor metal or painted hull surfaces if not used carefully.
- Slimy Grimy Granular: This cleaner is applied by diluting the crystals with water and spraying it directly onto the boat hull. It effectively removes stains and marine growth without damaging the gel coat. However, its crystalline formulation can sometimes clog the sprayer.
- Bio-Kleen M01609 Hull Cleaner: This is a high-performance cleaner that comes in a 1-gallon container. It is known for its ability to remove water spots and discoloration from fiberglass boat hulls and outboard motors. It requires some scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.
- Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner: This hull cleaner is specially formulated for painted boat hulls and works as a marine stain remover. It is safe for bottom paint and will not remove wax from the hull. However, it may require extra effort to remove thick algae build-up.
- Boat Bling HS-0032 Remover: This product is a spray-on hull cleaner that is easy to use and suitable for marine motors and land-based vehicles. It effectively removes tough water spots without stripping wax, leaving a streak-free shine.
- MaryKate MK3532 On & Off Gel Hull Cleaner: This gel hull cleaner is designed for fiberglass hulls and bottoms. It quickly breaks down grease and oil and effectively removes rust stains and scum lines. However, it contains harmful vapors, so protective gear is necessary when using this product.
- SEACHOICE 50-90691 Instant Hull Cleaner: This instant hull cleaner is safe for use on different surfaces, except aluminum and metal, where extra caution is needed. It effectively removes stains, marine deposits, rust, and water scum lines. It offers a wider cleaning performance at a reasonable price.
- Simple Green Marine Boat Cleaner: This is a versatile, all-purpose boat hull and deck cleaner that is safe for use on vinyl and fiberglass surfaces. It effectively removes diesel fuel, oil, grease, and other tough stains. However, it is not suitable for use on leather or unpainted wood surfaces.
- Bio-Kleen M01607 Acid Hull Cleaner: This hull cleaner comes in a handy spray bottle and is easy to use. It effectively removes water lines, algae, lime scale, and other problems on boat hulls. It is safe for use on fiberglass and aluminum boat hulls but has a strong smell, so proper ventilation is necessary.
- ZING T10118 Professional Boat Hull Cleaner: This professional-grade hull cleaner is designed to remove tough stains and build-ups. It quickly removes oil, grease, grime, lime deposits, and algae stains. It is safe for fiberglass and painted wood surfaces but may not be effective for removing stains from gel coats or paint.
- Booyah Clean Instant Hull Cleaner: This environmentally friendly hull cleaner has a marine-grade formulation that is safe for use on different surfaces, including fiberglass, metal, painted, and pre-waxed surfaces. It effectively removes water and scum lines, fish blood, and stains. However, it is not suitable for removing rust stains.
These are just a few of the many boat hull cleaners available on the market. When choosing a hull cleaner, consider the type of boat hull material, ease of use, safety, and effectiveness in removing stains and build-ups. Always follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and the environment.
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The importance of waxing a boat hull
As a boat owner, you'll know that maintenance is key. From the engine to the upholstery, almost every part of your boat needs some TLC. One of the most important maintenance tasks you'll be tasked with is waxing your boat's hull. Here's why:
Protection
A waxed hull offers optimal marine protection. It acts as a shield against corrosion and chemical breakdown from salt, as well as preventing barnacles and other organic buildups from clinging to the hull. Waxing also protects against UV light, preventing the molecular breakdown of paint and fiberglass that can occur with prolonged UV exposure.
Performance
A waxed hull cuts through water with less drag, increasing performance and improving fuel economy. So, if you want to throttle down and really get going, make sure your hull is waxed!
Maintenance
Waxing your hull regularly is a great way to prevent the need for costly repairs. It also makes cleaning easier as it prevents grime, algae, and marine life from adhering to the hull.
Aesthetics
If you want your boat to sparkle, waxing is the way to go. It will keep the color of your gel coat shining like new and can even help restore that new-boat luster.
Timing
The timing of your wax depends on various factors, including the climate and whether your boat is stored in the water or on land. Early spring and fall are great options, and it's recommended to wax at least twice a season, or 3-4 times a year if your boat has a darker hull.
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How to clean a boat hull with chemicals
Step 1: Pull the Boat Out of the Water
Removing your boat from the water is an important first step. This gives you access to the entire hull and allows you to use cleaning chemicals and solvents that should not be used in the water to protect local wildlife. Look for local marinas that offer boat cleaning areas, or you may be able to wash your boat on your own driveway.
Step 2: Clean Debris, Scum, and Other Staining
Before applying any cleaning products, remove any large debris that may be stuck to your boat. Then, apply a hull cleaner to your boat. This could be a muriatic acid-based liquid cleaner, such as CRC MaryKate On & Off, or a biodegradable powder or liquid cleaner, like Slimy Grimy. Be sure to wear protective gear, including safety goggles, gloves, and clothing that covers your skin, as some of these products can cause eye and skin irritation and discolouration or damage to clothing and upholstery.
Step 3: Rinse
Rinsing your boat with fresh water is an important step to clear away any excess chemicals or solvents from cleaning.
Step 4: Dry
Allow your boat to dry.
Step 5: Wax
Finally, wax your boat to prevent UV damage and to protect your boat from scum and debris as you take it out on the water.
How Often to Wash Your Boat Hull
Most people recommend washing your boat hull as often as possible, especially if it is kept in the water. If you keep your boat in a garage, you may find it tedious to wash it every time you take it out. However, if you keep your boat in the water, it is recommended to have it lifted out and washed down with environmentally friendly washing materials and fresh water to reduce damage caused by salt and scum.
Additional Tips
- If you have an outboard boat, don't forget to clean the engines, including the undersides of the mount brackets.
- Stand seat cushions on their sides or edges, with the zipper side down, and lightly rinse them down.
- When hosing down cockpit decks, avoid using a high-pressure nozzle as this can work water under your hatches and into the engine compartment, causing steel parts to rust.
- Avoid using strong detergents and abrasive, chlorinated cleansers on your boat for general cleaning, as chlorine is corrosive and can cause permanent stains and discolouration.
- Use imitation lamb's wool or natural, medium-stiffness bristle brushes for cleaning. Avoid very stiff bristles as these will scratch.
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The best type of paint to use on a boat hull
The type of paint you use on your boat hull depends on whether the hull is above or below the waterline. Paint for below the waterline is designed to protect the hull from barnacles and other "bottom-hugging" creatures. Paint for above the waterline is designed to provide shine and UV protection.
Bottom Paint
Bottom paint is designed to protect the hull from the "bad stuff" it's exposed to below the waterline. This includes barnacles and other marine life that might attach to the hull.
There are several types of bottom paint:
- Self-polishing ablative bottom paint
- Hybrid bottom paint
- Water-based bottom paint
- Aluminum-safe bottom paint
- Antifouling bottom paint
Topside Paint
Topside paint is designed to give shine and UV protection to the parts of the hull that are above the waterline.
There are several types of topside paint:
- Aluminum topside paint
- Enamel topside paint
- Epoxy topside paint
- Marine topside primer
Other Considerations
When choosing paint, it's important to consider the material of your boat hull. For example, if you have an aluminum boat, you'll need to choose a paint that is safe for aluminum.
It's also important to properly clean and maintain your boat hull before painting. This includes washing the hull regularly, especially if the boat is kept in the water, and waxing it at least once a year.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your boat hull as often as possible, especially if the boat is kept in the water. However, this is not necessary, and simply lifting the boat out of the water and washing it down with environmentally-friendly materials and fresh water can help reduce damage caused by salt and scum.
It is recommended to use a gentle boat soap and to avoid strong solvents, such as MEK or acetone, and abrasives such as heavy rubbing compounds or sandpaper.
To remove gel coat stains, wash the affected area with soap and water. If the stain is mineral-based, use a product that contains an acid or a chelating agent. If the stain is organic, try a biodegradable cleaner.
To protect your boat hull from stains, seal and protect it with a good-quality wax or polish, then follow up with regular washdowns.