6 Quick Tips for Fiberglass Boat Care and Maintenance

A well-maintained fiberglass boat has the potential to offer many years of sailing, pleasure, and fun. While a fiberglass boat doesn’t need a great deal of maintenance, it can still benefit from a practical maintenance program. Problems with a fiberglass boat include repainting the hull, repairing cracks, and giving a good cleaning and polishing. Proper maintenance is sure to keep the boat running problem free in the long run.

Get organized by writing a maintenance schedule to ensure work on the boat is consistently completed. A separate boat cleaning schedule can spell out the best times to check parts for flaws or wear, apply fresh paint, do a general clean, or prepare for winter.

Here are six steps to maintaining the aesthetics, performance and safety of your fiberglass boat:

1 – Rinse with fresh water

After using the canister in a saltwater environment, wash it thoroughly with clean fresh water to help remove all signs of salt residue. Also, be sure to clean the outboard motor (if applicable). A build-up of salt residue can soon begin to corrode the end of the can.

2 – Superstructure (clean)

Thoroughly wash the entire deck area (superstructure) with a high quality marine soap, warm water and a soft sponge. This should include washing and rinsing the windshield, deck boxes, vinyl seats, etc.

3 – Scrub the deck

Scrub the hull, deck, accessories and accessories with a pH balanced and biodegradable that is specially designed for marine applications. A medium stiffness deck brush is likely to give the desired results. Avoid brushing with stiff bristles as it could damage the finish of the boat.

4 – Superstructure (dry)

After the superstructure is completely clean, be sure to completely dry the surfaces with a soft, dry cloth.

5 – Windows and upholstery

Give your windows a sparkling shine by using a homemade vinegar and water solution or a more typical commercial cleaning product. Also, apply a good coat of a commercial vinyl solution to the upholstery to ensure the boat and equipment are well maintained at all times.

6 – Polish and protect

A high quality polish can help protect the surface of the fiberglass hull once it has been given a good wash. A quality wax benefits fiberglass material by providing a hard coat and high shine. This protective layer will help minimize signs of color fading or discoloration after prolonged exposure to salt water. Use the proper equipment when buffing to avoid scratching or digging into the hull surface.