Seven top tips for cleaning your boat

by Martin Flory. on 14 Mar 2010 Here are seven top tips from Shurhold Industries to keep your boat cleaner, easier to keep clean and more valuable when you come to sell:

Tip 1. Yes, microfibre IS a better solution than cotton for cleaning fibreglass. The softness of microfibre towels comes from their composition of polyester and polyamine, which are thinner than human hair. They absorb 98% of water, whereas cotton can only absorb 70% at most. Microfibre also picks up dirt, oil and other contaminants and locks them away in the tiny hooks of the fabric until it's washed or rinsed. Regular cotton tends to push the dirt along the surface, increasing the chances of scratches and imperfections.

Microfibre towels are elastic, resisting tension and returning to their original state. They are safe to use with most chemicals and are easy to wash either by hand or in the washing machine, BUT never use fabric softener.

Tip 2: Always rinse down the area to be cleaned prior to washing. This helps remove any loose surface grime preventing you from scrubbing it into the finish.

Tip 3. 'Dirty' rain can leave black streaks. Try to wash streaks off immediately. The sooner you do it, the easier they will be to remove.

Tip 4. Less is more when it comes to mixing soap with water. Too much soap will make it hard to rinse leaving soap scum.

Tip 5. Wash early or late in the day, avoiding intense sunlight will make it easier to clean because the areas you are working on won’t dry too quickly.

Tip 6. Once everything is clean, wax or polish it to make the next cleaning easier. Keep a good coat of wax on all metal hardware to prevent corrosion. You’ll recoup the cost of all the cleaning, polishing and waxing products you use in your boat's resale value.

Tip 7. To help prevent corrosion on seals, hinges, snaps and zippers, they should be coated with water-resistant lubricant. Care must be exercised when applying liquid or spray lubricants. Some are petroleum-based, and drips or overspray may harm gelcoat or clear coat, upholstery and fabric.

Shurhold Industries Inc. produces a wide range of cleaning systems and products. To check out their range, go to their http://shurhold.com/marine!marine_website.

To find a dealer near you, see below:

Magdaleen Majer
Major Yacht Services
Level 1. 128 Terry St. Rozelle. 2039, NSW
Ph: + 61 2 9810 7200
Fax: + 61 2 9810 0144
info@mysaust.com
www.mysaust.com

Stewart Smith
Cairns Wholesale Paint
80 Aumuller St, Cairns
Queensland 4870
Ph: +617 403 52000
Fax: +617 403 52001
sales@cwp.com.au

Darren Finkelstein
St Kilda Boat Sales
St Kilda Marine
Marina Parade
Elwood, VIC 3185
Ph: + 613 9525 5500
Fax: + 613 9525 5515
darren@stkildaboatsales.com.au