| Ahhh...fall in Florida. | | | | high chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide, and |
| Question: How do you know fall has arrived in Florida? | | | | solvents. It is best to use a soft bristle deck brush |
| Answer: By all the presents left on your boat by the | | | | for cleaning cushions and canvas and never use a |
| migrating birds! | | | | brush of any kind on dodger windows. For bright |
| Yes, the birds are beginning to make their way south | | | | finishes, imitation lamb's wool brushes are the least |
| for the winter and that means extra scrubbing and | | | | abrasive. For tough areas, try to avoid stiff bristles |
| rinsing for all us boat owners. | | | | and opt instead for a natural bristle brush if possible. |
| It's a very good idea to rinse your boat often during | | | | And if you want to avoid water spots, we suggest |
| this time because the toxic ingredients in those bird | | | | drying the boat thoroughly. |
| droppings can put an ugly stain on your gelcoat and | | | | To restore the shine to gelcoat, some people like to |
| canvas. Of course, we highly recommend regular | | | | use an oxidation remover. If you decide to give this |
| cleaning in all four seasons; but it's especially | | | | a try, you should start with a less aggressive rubbing |
| important during 'bird season'. | | | | compound. If your boat simply has a moderately dull |
| Rinsing your boat regularly with freshwater will | | | | look, use a fine rubbing compound. If your gelcoat is |
| reduce the amount of time needed to wash and wax | | | | severely oxidized, you should seek professional help. |
| your boat. After a voyage we suggest first spraying | | | | For a good wax job you may want to hire a |
| the entire boat with a fine spray. This includes the | | | | professional as it can be back breaking work. If you |
| cockpit area and the underside of the bimini. For | | | | opt to do it yourself start the waxing process with a |
| sailboats you should spray as high up the mast and | | | | properly prepared surface by using a good fiberglass |
| rigging as possible. It will take a few minutes for the | | | | cleaner. Boat wax can contain powerful acid cleaners |
| dry salt crystals to begin to dissolve. Once you have | | | | so protect yourself with gloves and avoid breathing |
| given them time to dissolve go back over the entire | | | | the fumes for extended periods of time. Try to |
| boat with a high pressure rinse. | | | | keep the wax away from metal surfaces as it can |
| When it's time for a good scrubbing, using a | | | | cause corrosion. Before beginning the job, be |
| high-quality marine soap is better for the boat's | | | | prepared with LOTS of soft clean rags. To save time |
| surfaces. Some household cleaners can have a high | | | | and conserve your energy, we highly recommend an |
| alkaline level and may cut short the life of your wax | | | | electric buffer. |
| job. They can also scratch the gelcoat if not | | | | A good cleaning kit should contain marine cleaner, |
| removed promptly. | | | | sponges, squeegee, wax, lots of soft rags, |
| Try to BE GREEN. Many cleaning products contain | | | | compound (for deep scratches), good selection of |
| chemicals that aren't good for marine life. Phosphates | | | | brushes, boat pole with scrub brush attachment, and |
| for example are very unfriendly to aquatic life. Pay | | | | hose with good pressure water. |
| attention to the ingredients and try to stay clear of | | | | |