Wax or some other form of protectant is essential to keep your boat’s gelcoat shining, but don’t overlook the many other areas that a simple wash and wax doesn’t take into account. Here are some of our favorite products to keep your ENTIRE boat looking like new.
The sun can be brutal, attacking and prematurely aging the feel and color of various materials aboard your boat. The most common victims? Your vinyl seats, as well as areas of plastic trim, rubber, and plexiglas. UV-protectant formulas are offered in convenient sprays or pre-moistened wipes or sponges.
If your boat sits at a dock or in a boathouse all season, you’re probably familiar with that dreaded “scum line” that develops along the waterline. It’s surprisingly difficult to remove. In fact, on older boats it’s often a permanent fixture, seriously detracting from the boat’s appearance. Hull-specific cleaners that target scum lines and stains won’t harm the hull surface, but attack those stains with a vengeance.
Many boaters swear by salt-removing cleansers that both rinse away troublesome salt from your boat’s exterior but also, when used during the engine flushing process, flush away salt deposits from your engine’s internal cooling passages. Look for products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-hazardous that can be used on not only your boat and engine, but also fishing and other salt-sprayed equipment.
