A Guide to Cleaning Your Boat’s Hull
The hull of your ship receives the most damage from the waves, sun, and elements. While there are a number of protectants on your hull it can quickly deteriorate without proper care. We here at PYY Marine want you to get the most out of your vessel, so we’ve composed a quick guide on how to wash, wax, and polish your ship. Once you’re ready to get back out on the water we hope you’ll stop by our dealership in Pasadena, Maryland, for all your boating needs!
Tools
You’ll need a few simple tools before getting started! First, you’ll need a hose so you can rinse your boat with clean fresh water. You’ll also want a number of soft towels for drying your ship as well as applying various products. A scrub brush and boat soap will also need to be purchased if you don’t have them already. Make sure that you purchase a cleaner specifically for boats, or you could degrade some of your vessel’s sealants. Lastly, you’ll need boat polish and wax. You also have the option of purchasing a boat cover or electric buffer tool. The buffer tool can speed up the process of polishing and waxing your ship. We advise purchasing a boat cover if you are able to, as it will protect your ship and keep it cleaner for much longer
Washing Your Boat
Knowing how often you need to wash or wax your boat is an important piece of information. You’ll likely be surprised to learn that it only needs to be washed when it is visibly dirty. However, in order to prevent rust and corrosion, you’ll want to spray down the entirety of your ship every time it is removed from the water. If your boat is looking grimy go ahead and bust out the boat cleanser. Once you’ve rinsed your vessel, grab your scrub brush and get to work. Wash your boat in sections, rinsing throughout the process. This will keep your soap from drying and leaving behind ugly streaks. Once you’ve washed all the way around, you can dry your ship with a soft towel or allow it to air dry. If you’re not waxing and polishing you’ll want to cover your boat once it’s completely dry
Polishing
Waxing and polishing your boat is the most important and admittedly tedious step in cleaning your boat. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be done very often! We advise doing this only twice a season, once before putting your boat in storage, and once more after it’s removed. After washing your boat you’ll still want to make sure it has dried completely before grabbing your polish. Use a soft towel and apply the product around the entirety of your boat. Move in the same direction and use the same motion over and over, till your entire ship has a glossy sheen to it.
Waxing
Thankfully, you don’t need to wait for the polish to dry. Jump in with your wax and begin applying it with a soft towel. Once again, work around your entire vessel in the same direction, using the same motion as before. Once your wax is applied you’ll need to wait for it to dry. You’ll know the wax is ready to be buffed when your boat has a hazy look to it. At this point, you can take another soft towel, or electronic buffing tool, and buff the wax. As always, you’ll work in the same direction, using the same motion around the entire ship. Once finished your boat should have a beautiful sparkle to it!
We hope these instructions have been helpful in teaching you how to clean your boat! As you can see, while the process may be long, it’s not too difficult. However, if your boat is in a state of disrepair or needs some serious deep cleaning, our service department offers amazing detailing services! If you’re in the city of Annapolis, Maryland, and need some help getting your ship in shape, we hope you’ll stop by PYY Marine.