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How to keep your fishing rig looking good for years to
come.
A variety of cleaners, polishes and waxes are available,
formulated for specific marine chores.
Whether you own a shiny new fiberglass bass or walleye
boat, a brightly painted aluminum model, or a plain-jane
bare aluminum, proper care will not only make your boat
look sharper, but add life to your investment as well as
make your fishing more productive and pleasurable.
Basic boat care consists of cleaning or washing, polishing and/or waxing where applicable, cleaning upholstery carpet, the bilge and livewell , and polishing metal cleats and other hardware. Boat care can also consist of minor repairs such as filling cracks and gouges in fiberglass.
"Some people choose to clean up their boat before they store it at the end of the season," said John Hatton, vice president and technical director at Fibre Glass-Evercoat, makers of Boat Armor boat-care products. "Giving it a thorough washing and waxing at the end of the season may help repel dirt during storage and make it a lot easier to prepare the boat for use the following season. But, unless the boat can be stored in a vacuum, some dust and mildew will always accumulate during storage. This is especially true for boats stored outside.
"Boaters should not use a heavy-duty type of marine cleaner to clean the boat without following up with a waxing. A strong cleaner will strip off all wax and protective sealants previously applied, exposing the gelcoat. Putting away a bare boat is an invitation for heavy oxidation and permanent stains.
Aluma Guard cleaner and restorer
"A good end-of-the-season washing with a mild boat soap
will tackle surface dirt without harming the wax
underneath. While it won't remove water-line scum, grease
or rub marks, it will get you a little ahead of the game
for spring cleaning. Putting off the cleaning until next
season isn't necessarily bad, either. In some instances,
the boater may even simplify the spring cleaning project by
doing so. In freshwater areas, the algae and scum that
accumulate below the water line are often much easier to
remove if left over the winter to die and dry out. Then in
the spring, spraying the growth with a heavy-duty marine
cleaner usually allows it to be sponged off easily."
Don't just grab the nearest cleaners and polishes you use for your automobile. Any number of marine-designed cleaners, polishes, waxes and other care products are available, formulated especially for specific marine chores. They'll do a better job with less effort and will be better for your boat finish in the long run.
Soaps
The new Concentrated Boat Soap from Boat Armor cleans virtually every inside and outside boat surface in an environmentally-safe formula, and will not remove protective wax from fiberglass. By mixing two capfuls of boat soap with 1 gallon of water, the boater can clean an entire boat. It can also be used full strength on stubborn dirt. Its phosphate-free formula rinses off easily, is biodegradable and safe for the environment. Boat Soap is part of the Microshine System, which contains five all-purpose products to simplify boat maintenance. Star brite Sea Safe Boat Wash is also environmentally friendly and concentrated for heavy-duty cleaning. Boat Cleaner from BoatLIFE is a non-phosphate, biodegradable formula that cleans without removing wax.
Spray Cleaners
General-purpose marine spray-application cleaners are also available for any number of chores. These are primarily available in handheld squeeze-spray bottles. The solution is sprayed on the surface, allowed to sit briefly, then scrubbed with a sponge or brush and the dirt and solution flushed away with fresh water. The Boat Armor Spray Boat Cleaner is an example of their ease of use. Simply spray it on, allow to work for 60 seconds, rinse the surface and then wipe with damp cloth or sponge. A similar product, Nautical Ease Spray Boat Cleaner is applied in the same manner and is biodegradable. The Ducky All-Purpose Cleaner is streak-free and contains an anti-fogging agent, making it great for windows and mirrors.
Also from Ducky is their Water Spot Remover, especially developed for hard-water spots, a problem unique to itself. Meguiar's Hard Water Spot Remover, a state-of-the-art clay bar, eradicates above-surface fresh water spots, mineral deposits, salt spray, scum and other contaminants. Meguiar's has also unveiled their new Mirror Glaze All Purpose Marine Cleaner, a water-based cleaner that effectively removes oil-based contaminants. The highly concentrated formula cleans, degreases and even eliminates hard-to-remove black streaks, water spots, mineral deposits, salt spray and water scum.
TSRW (This Stuff Really Works) Quick Strip removes oxidation, wax, grease, oil, carbon deposits, most rust stains, scum and grime. It's safe for use on fiberglass and cleans most painted surfaces, vinyl letters and stripes. Quick Strip is used with TSRW's Duramitt included in the cleaning kit. The rubber mitt has a uniquely-designed scouring surface for extra cleaning power. It also allows a user to scrub without clutching a pad and protects hands from exposure to chemicals.
Star brite Super Green is the ideal cleaner to remove grease, ground-in dirt, oil, fish blood, bird droppings and other surface stains quickly and easily. It's biodegradable and contains no harsh chemicals. The Boat Armor Heavy Duty Universal Marine Cleaner can be used for fiberglass, carpet, teak, vinyl, paint, glass, aluminum, stainless steel, rubber, canvas, nylon and plastic. Liquid Fiberglass Rubbing Compound/Color Restorer, Fiberglass Powder Cleaner/Stain Remover and Fiberglass Kreme Cleaner/Stain Remover, all from BoatLIFE, can be used to remove stains, scuff marks, and restore original color to fiberglass gelcoats. (Some of these products require wetting the surface before application and most will remove protective coatings which must be reapplied.)
Boat bottom scum, algae and other heavy residues are removed easiest with solutions created for that purpose. Star brite Instant Hull Cleaner has been formulated to remove water line and rust stains from both fiberglass and painted surfaces. To use, simply wipe or spray on, wait a minute or two, then rinse off. It's as easy as that; no rubbing or scrubbing required. BoatLIFE Hull and Bottom Cleaner is boatyard strength to remove algae stains, marine stains, scum and mineral deposits. Will even soften barnacle rings and zebra mussels. Other hull cleaners include Boat Armor Instant Boat Bottom Cleaner and Nautical Technologies Boat Bottom Cleaner. (Some hull cleaners are fairly caustic, read directions carefully before use.)
Aluminum Cleaners
Specially formulated bare-aluminum cleaners are also available including Aluma Guard, available from Bass Pro Shops. The cleaner is sprayed on, allowed to stand for 30 seconds, then rinsed thoroughly to remove discoloration, grime, scum lines and algae from aluminum surfaces in minutes without scrubbing. Iosso Pontoon & Aluminum Cleaner & Restorer is a paste. The surface is wetted, the paste applied then the surface buffed.
Combination Cleaner/Wax/Polish
Although their products are called "cleaners," all manufacturers suggest washing the boat first to remove dirt and grit. These products restore the shine and color of
3M Marine Care Products
fiberglass and are used to apply a protective coating. Star
brite Marine Polish cleans, shines and protects in one
step. It is easy to apply, even under the hot sun, and is
specially formulated for use on fiberglass, metal and
painted surfaces. The Ducky Detailer conditions and
protects the boats surface from harmful ultraviolet rays,
beads water and removes light oxidation. Ultraviolet
brighteners enhance colors while leaving a
smooth-to-the-touch slick-waxed, wet-look finish. Meguiar's
Mirror Glaze One Step Boat and RV Cleaner Wax is safe for
all finishes, a non-abrasive formula that cleans, polishes
and protects in one application, providing long-lasting
protection against salt air, corrosion and UV rays. The
BoatLIFE Presoftened Restorer Wax deep cleans and waxes and
protects in one easy step. Can also be used on painted
surfaces.
Many, such as Boat Armor One Step Cleaner Wax, a liquid, contain carnauba wax, a traditional boat protection. 3M Marine Fiberglass Cleaner and Wax is also a liquid, while Boat Armor Boat Wax and Iosso Fiberglass Reconditioner are paste. The paste is applied with a soft, clean cloth, then rubbed aggressively to create the shine. The Marine/RV One-Step Cleaner Wax from The Wax Shop contains natural carnauba waxes to revitalize and restore paint, fiberglass and gelcoats. The product does not smear and removes minor swirls and scratches. The Wax Shop Pre-Wax Cleaner removes light to medium oxidation, haze and swirl marks. Unlike traditional rubbing compounds, it removes oxidation through a unique photochemical process while restoring the original shine and natural luster. The Wax Shop Insta-Gloss is great for a quick wipe-down between washing and waxing. It's anti-static and easily removes surface dust, dirt, grease, oil and light water spots. Great for tinted windows, chrome, aluminum, lexan and plexiglass.
Buffing Your Boat
Although polishes and waxes can be buffed by hand, 3M
suggests using an electric drill equipped with their 6-inch
3M Marine Superbuff Pad and their Marine Fiberglass Cleaner
and Wax. The fastest, and easiest, method is to use a power
buffer such as the Craftsman Heavy-Duty/Polisher. It has an
11-inch diameter pad that quickly cleans, polishes and
buffs. Power lock-on button provides easy control without
hand fatigue. Best tactic with a power buffer is to apply
the wax or polish with a terry cloth bonnet, then use a
lamb's wool bonnet for the final buffing.
Waxes and Polishes
Liquid waxes include 3M Marine Protective Liquid Wax and Iosso Fiberglass Protective Wax. Both provide a high gloss shine and long-lasting protection for your boat. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax, and Nautical Ease Super Duty Fiberglass cleaners are liquids containing rubbing compounds for heavy-duty cleaning and restoration of faded and scum-covered fiberglass. Both are best applied with a power buffer. If your boat is extremely oxidized, the Boat Armor Heavy Duty Fiberglass Rubbing Compound can be used to remove heavy stains, chalk and scratches and restore the original color. It can be buffed by hand, but a power buffer speeds the chore and provides a more even appearance.
Lovett Marine's Vertglas Gel Coat Restoration System comes in a kit form that provides everything needed to bring back the color and gloss of heavily oxidized gelcoat finishes. Merely scrub with the Oxidation Remover pad, rinse, wash with their Boat Wash, then wipe on the Color Restorer/Sealer.
Nautical Ease Ultimate Marine Finish is especially formulated for fiberglass and provides a clear, smooth, hard glass-like coating that is easily applied and removed. It will not yellow, chip, crack or peel and is safe to use on gelcoat surfaces, acrylics and metallics. Diamond Brite Paint Sealant is designed for clear coat finishes and is guaranteed to last more than a year. This is an excellent product for adding more protection to your motor. TSRW 12 Plus is a water-based acrylic polymer coating that contains no petroleum distillates and is unconditionally guaranteed to provide a 12-month protective coating for fiberglass, vinyl lettering, acrylic, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, bronze, copper, brass and most painted surfaces. The solution comes in a bottle that will cover a 30-foot boat and is applied with a special chamois supplied with the solution. PolyShine Premium Boat Polish from BoatLIFE is formulated for fiberglass boats, but can also be used on chrome and stainless steel. Super Gloss from The Wax Shop applies effortlessly and provides an exceptionally slick but tough carnauba wax finish. There's no wax buildup or white powdery residue. Meguiar's has both a Boat/RV Polish that creates a brilliant, high-gloss finish, as well as their Pure Wax, a blend of pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax with silicones, polymers and resins to maintain extraordinary gloss and protection. Star brite has also introduced their new Star brite Premium Marine Polish with Teflon. It's extremely easy to use -- just wipe on, let dry and wipe off. The result is a fantastic deep shine with extremely long-lasting protection and weather resistance. BoatLIFE LifeWax Fiberglass Wax is a long-lasting wipe-on/wipe-off paste wax.
A painted aluminum boat needs maintenance just like a fiberglass boat, to retain its shine. Iosso Painted Aluminum Protective Wax contains a special blend of premium creme waxes that produce a high gloss and long-lasting shine. It is safe to use on painted aluminum surfaces and other marine paints. Iosso also has Pontoon Polish designed for polishing bare aluminum. It will effectively remove oxidation, water spots, water-borne algae, tars and oils and leaves a gleaming, protective coating that repels and resists algae formation.
Upholstery and Carpeting
Marine upholstery and tops including vinyl and canvas should be cleaned and given a protective coating as well. First step is to clean using a product such as Iosso Mold & Mildew Stain Remover paste. Boat Armor Vinyl Cleaner is a pump-spray product that will clean and restore original bright colors to upholstery. Boat Armor Mildew Stain Remover is also a spray-on product, but can "bleach" some fabric colors.
Iosso Vinyl Conditioner and Protectant is a protective product that polishes to a high gloss and provides long-lasting protection and shine, as well as protection from drying and cracking. 3M Marine Outdoor Vinyl Cleaner, Conditioner and Protector is a one-step cleaning and gel wax formula that restores luster to old and worn surfaces, provides a long-lasting barrier and retards UV light damage.
Star brite Vinyl Shampoo instantly removes dirt, mildew, grease and stains while their Vinyl Brite restores old vinyl to like-new appearances. They also offer a one-step Vinyl Cleaner/Polish. Meguiar's Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner removes ground-in dirt, while their Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner can be used to clean and restore rubber and vinyl surfaces. Super Vinyl Cleaner from BoatLIFE cleans, brightens colors and restores interior and exterior marine vinyl.
Seymour Vinyl Paint can be used to give older vinyl a newer look. Used for years in car interiors, the paint contains UV-stable pigments that guard against fading and keep that like-new look for years. The paint offers excellent adhesion to vinyl and leather. When used with Seymour Adhesion Promoter, the paint adheres to the plastic consoles found on many boats. The paint can also be sprayed on carpeting. When the paint dries, simply brush the carpet with a stiff brush to restore the carpet's original texture.
Star brite Stain Buster Rug Cleaner is designed specifically for the removal of stains and spots on marine carpeting. It cuts through oil, grease, food and dirt and gently lifts it away. Unlike most other heavy-duty rug cleaners, the product will not remove color or change the nap.
Hardware and Wood
Many of the marine cleaners, polishes and waxes can also be used on boat fittings, metal and wood, but special metal cleaners are excellent for polishing up fittings. 3M Marine Metal Restorer and Polish is a paste that removes oxidation, corrosion and tarnish from stainless steel, brass, chrome, aluminum and other metals. Iosso Metal Polish quickly removes oxidation from all metals and TSRW Metal Luster is formulated with a mild jeweler's rouge that has no abrasive qualities but can make restoring metal to its original luster a breeze.
The Wax Shop Metal Gloss is a liquid metal polish that quickly and easily removes discoloration, rust, tarnish and water spots and brightens, renews and protects while leaving a beautiful luster on aluminum, brass, copper, chrome and stainless steel. Meguiar's All Metal Polish deep cleans while it adds lasting protection. The new Star brite Chrome & Stainless Polish is formulated to clean, shine and protect marine metals and since no harsh abrasives are used, there is no chance for scratching or dulling.
The Seymour Stainless Steel Spray Pigment can be used to coat any metal item to protect it from the elements. The spray is formulated of 100% finely-ground stainless steel powder mixed with resin. Boat Armor Unique Teak Cleaner and Brightener cleans grayed, weather teak in one easy step.
Bilges and Livewells
Boat Armor Bilge Cleaner dissolves and removes oil,
grease and sludge using a self-cleaning action and is
biodegradable and non-caustic. Merely add to the water in
the bilge, allow the action of the boat to remove dirt and
sludge and pump or drain out. Meguiar's Bilge Cleaner is a
non-toxic formula that emulsifies and removes oil, grease,
sludge, gas, stains, dirt and smells. Iosso Bait Well &
Fish Box Cleaner is a biodegradable, non-toxic,
non-chlorine formula that safely deodorizes and removes
stains from those areas of your boat. The Star brite Fish
Box and Bait Well Cleaner/Deodorizer cleans the dirtiest of
fish boxes and bait wells in one easy step. Wipe or spray
on, then rinse with fresh water. BoatLIFE Bilge Cleaner is
a non-foaming biodegradable formula that cleans without
phosphates and leaves a pleasant fragrance.
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