| Like anything else, the best way to care for your | | | | clean cloth. You should then use an upholstery wax |
| boat is to take preventative measures. Don't wait | | | | that protects against UV damage. To get rid of |
| until you can barely see your boat under all of the | | | | nasty mildew stains, use a solution of one part |
| grime that has built up, to decide it needs a good | | | | ammonia to four parts water. Scrub the area with a |
| cleaning. Wouldn't you rather spend the nice summer | | | | soft or medium brush, and rinse with fresh water. |
| day enjoying your boat instead of cleaning it? | | | | Secure the line: |
| Let's start topside: | | | | Ropes can be damaged by salt, oil, and dirt. It is |
| Because the surface of the boat is a gelcoat, it | | | | important to keep these maintained because they |
| makes regular cleaning easy. This gelcoat can be | | | | are used for many essential purposes. These should |
| cleaned with a mild or boat soap, and then rinsed | | | | be checked regularly, and replaced if there is any sign |
| thoroughly with fresh water to prevent build up of | | | | of deterioration or tears. Because knotting causes |
| soap scum or water spots. Start at the bow and | | | | access wear on the lines avoid this as much as |
| work your way back because boats drain from bow | | | | possible. |
| to stern. You can apply a coat of automotive or boat | | | | Keep the ropes out of direct sunlight when not in |
| wax twice a year to maintain a nice shine and | | | | use, and rinse them after each use. Ropes can be |
| protect the gelcoat. Only apply to the parts that will | | | | washed in a washing machine with a mild detergent. |
| not be walked to prevent slipping. | | | | Be sure to place them inside a pillowcase first to |
| It is important to dry the canvas before storing your | | | | avoid damage to the machine. |
| boat to avoid moisture damage and mold buildup. To | | | | Fender Bender: |
| wash the canvas use a dishwashing detergent and a | | | | Bumpers take the beatings, poundings and |
| soft scrub brush if necessary. Every so often, you | | | | sometimes crashes for the side of the boat. Because |
| should lubricate snaps with petroleum jelly and zippers | | | | of this, they are bound to get dirty. Dirt, tar, and |
| with a paraffin wax. You should also periodically treat | | | | grease can be removed with a strong cleanser and |
| the canvas with a waterproofing solution to prevent | | | | scrubbing pad. When using tar remover, test a small |
| break-down of the material. | | | | area first to check that it is not too abrasive for the |
| Don't do windows? | | | | plastic. |
| Glass windows can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or | | | | Quick Tips: |
| a water and vinegar solution. To prevent scratches | | | | • Do not use bleach; it can be too harsh on |
| apply a clear silicon spray with a soft cloth. | | | | many of your boat parts |
| Vinyl windows should be cleaned with water because | | | | • Get in the habit of cleaning your boat each |
| chemicals in cleaners can break down the vinyl. After | | | | time you come in off the water. |
| cleaning apply a clear wax. | | | | • By cleaning more frequently, you will avoid |
| If you roll up vinyl windows, do it carefully to avoid | | | | an enormous cleaning job that could take a whole |
| scratching. Leaving them rolled up for long periods of | | | | beautiful day. |
| time will lead to discoloration. | | | | Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl's Blog on These |
| Have a seat: | | | | articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in |
| Upholstery should be wiped down with a wet cloth, | | | | learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit to |
| removing dirt and salt. Apply a vinyl upholstery | | | | view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. is The |
| cleaner with a damp cloth, rinse, and wipe off with a | | | | Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling 'Ur' Boat. |