Cleaning Your Boat
When you’ve been boating for a whole season, your boat can get pretty dirty. Moss, grit, saltwater, sand, barnacles and all manner of debris can collect on the sides, leaves and dirt can cover the deck and your windows can grow streaky and dim from the sea spray. All of these things can dull your boat’s shine and potentially corrode or damage the finish if left unchecked.
This is why it’s so important to clean your boat on a regular basis, whether it’s a pontoon boat or another style. The fine folks at Mark's Leisure Time Marine have provided this guide to cleaning your boat to help you figure out where to start with this process. Our dealership has locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York, where we stock a wide array of new and used pontoon boats for your perusal. It's also important to have her clean when it's time to hibernate; if you're in need of boat storage this winter, we have storage space available here at our dealership. Come visit us with any questions you have about boat maintenance or boat storage!
Preparation
Before you start cleaning, you’ll want to take the time to get your boat and your supplies ready. Park your boat over gravel or a driveway to avoid washing debris and soap into your yard. It’s helpful if you are in the habit of rinsing your boat off after every voyage, particularly when you’ve been boating in saltwater because salt can corrode metal over time. Frequent rinsing will prevent salt and debris build-up, making your job easier when it comes time to thoroughly clean your boat.
Gather your necessary supplies: a hose hooked up to clean, fresh water; soft-bristle boat brushes; sponges and squeegees; a special marine boat soap (car wash soap will do in a pinch, but a boat soap is advisable for best results); wax or polish; paper towels; broom or mop for cleaning the deck; and glass cleaner.
Start out by rinsing your boat off thoroughly with the hose. You can use a nozzle to target higher-powered spray at difficult debris. Just make sure that it won’t damage your finish. Do a few rinses to get your boat thoroughly wet and ensure that as much loose debris is removed as possible to avoid scratches caused by scrubbing grit, sand, barnacles or other marine detritus with your brush or sponge.
Exterior
After you rinse your boat, get your boat wash and soft-bristle brush and start scrubbing in sections, rinsing each one before the soap can dry and damage your boat’s gel coat or finish. Start at the top of your boat and work your way down the sides, cleaning as thoroughly as you can so that the wax will adhere better. When you’re done scrubbing, you can let your boat air dry if it’s nice out, or take it into the garage and wipe it down with chamois cloths or squeegee blades to get it dry.
Wax On / Wax Off
Try to wax your boat twice per season. Applying a coat before you put your boat away for the winter can help protect it while it’s in storage, and applying a fresh coat when you remove it will prepare it for the boating season. Wax makes it more difficult for dirt and salt to stick on your boat, and adds a protective layer that will keep you from having to clean deeply less often. Waxing also gives your boat a glossy shine that’s attractive when you’re out on the water!
In the market for a pontoon boat? Come down to one of our showrooms to see our wide selection of pontoon boats for sale. We carry new and used pontoon boats, including those by Barletta Boats and Harris Pontoon Boats. We also provide boat storage and winterization; give us a call if you're looking for a place to park your boat for the winter! Mark’s Leisure Time Marine serves the cities of Rochester and Syracuse with our convenient locations in the cities of Conesus and Canandaigua, New York.