Keep Fuel Away
always immediately clean any fuel accidentally spilled
onto a boat. if left unattended, gasoline can penetrate just
about anything, and can actually discolor fiberglass.
Basic Cleaning
once the proper precautions have been taken against the
biggest threats, the best way to protect a boat’s finish is to
keep it clean to avoid damage from less obvious causes. hard
water stains – actually mineral deposits left after evaporation –
can be abrasive enough to damage the finish if they’re merely
wiped off with a dry cloth. over time, these “micro-scratches”
can add up to give a boat a “used” look. a 50/50 mix of white
vinegar and water or a commercially available spray-on detail-
er will help. premium sprays will also provide a slick coating,
which helps prevent bugs and stains from sticking and reduces
scum-line buildup. Bass Boat saver detailer spray is a reliable,
popular choice, as are the products by Boat Bling. Be sure to
spray overlooked areas around the boat’s transom, particularly
adjacent to the jack plate, to benefit fully from the protection.
Waxing
While a daily wipe-down is a good practice, establishing a
well-waxed outer surface is key to maintaining a pretty rig.
the first step is to remove any oils, swirl marks or extra-stub-
born deposits through the use of a cleaning wax or polish.
there are several products on the market (they usually adver-
tise the ability to rub out fine scratches), but a top choice
among many pros is collinite’s fleetwax.
cleaner waxes can be applied with a buffer or by hand,
but one word of caution: excessive rubbing can do damage.
if you’re unsure of how to do it right, consult a professional.
in the case of boats with excessive wear, oxidation or yel-
lowing, the best choice to prevent irreversible damage might
be to hire a professional with experience in restoring fiber-
glass finishes. Boaters who take on major diY projects
should, at the very minimum, do their research. there are
step-by-step videos available on Youtube, but be diligent
about whom you trust for your info.
once a rig is properly cleaned and stripped using polish, a
protective outer surface must be applied. high-quality carnau-
ba-based waxes do a good job of sealing things up and pro-
tecting the boat’s finish from uv exposure. here, you get what
you pay for (Marine 31 Gel coat carnauba, a high-end product,
runs about $50 a bottle), but the protection is worth it.
a practical plan to keep a finish in tip-top shape includes an
annual buff with cleaner polish, followed by a topcoat wax
applied about three times a year. another choice is a modern “all-
in-one” process that includes a very light polish, combined with a
high-gloss finishing wax. While the final product won’t offer the
lasting protection of the conventional two-step approach, con-
venience is a benefit. Meguiar’s flagship premium cleaner/Wax
receives high marks from experienced marine techs.
finally, for the ultimate in protection, consider hiring a
professional offering a polymer-based topcoat (here, the sur-
face must be meticulously cleaned prior to application).
While polymer application is costly – often running four fig-
ures when included with a full detail job – it’s advertised to
maintain a showroom shine all year, with little more than a
regular wipe-down from the boat owner.
any step that can be taken to protect the boat’s finish is a
step in the right direction. after all, resale value and pride in
ownership both go up when your rig looks shiny and slick.
MAY-JUNE 2018 I FLWFISHING.COM
Boat wax, detailing spray and a little TLC can keep your rig looking sharp
and protect its resale value for many years.
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