As residents of North Dakota know, keeping your boat looking great isn’t always easy. We take them out fishing or out on a lake a few times, and before we know it, it’s covered in mud and grime. Now your once new boat looks like it has been around for years.
You spent a lot of money on your boat and you want it to look its best whenever you take it out. For this to happen, you need to regularly clean and detail your boat. But what exactly does this include? Below are the steps typically involved with boat detailing and cleaning, along with a simple way for North Dakota residents to take care of it.
Basic Exterior Cleaning
All boat detailing begins with a basic exterior cleaning. You first rinse your boat, removing any loose dirt or other debris. A good tip when rinsing your boat is to start at the top so that you don’t have to rinse the same area multiple times. After rinsing off the boat, you can then begin to scrub down the outside using a bucket of water, some soap made specifically for boats, and a soft brush. Clean in small areas at a time and rinse off everything again when you’re done.
Then grab some towels to dry off the entire boat. You’ll need some very absorbent towels, so have plenty standing by. It’s also a good idea to do this in a sunny spot so the heat can help with the drying process. Finally, as you’re drying, buff the exterior of the boat to prepare it for coats of sealant and wax later.
Cleaning the Floors
After cleaning the outside of the boat, you can then move to the interior. For the floors, the method of cleaning depends on the material. For example, if you have non-skid flooring, you’ll want to use a strong brush to give it a thorough cleaning. It may take some time to remove all the grime from your floors, as these areas are often the dirtiest.
A good tip is to put the boat on land, tip it with the stern on the lower end and open up the drain plug. You can then use a hose to clean the floor faster and allow the water to flow out.
For carpeted areas, you’ll need to use a vacuum. You may even need to soak the carpet with a carpet cleaner, then rinse it out and wait for it to dry. To speed up the drying process, use the vacuum to suction up some of the water.
Polishing Any Chrome
For boats with chrome parts, you’ll need a special polish. Use chrome polish on areas such as ladders, railings, seats, etc. Start with a small amount and apply it using a soft towel. The directions on the chrome polish should provide more explicit instructions on how to achieve the best results.
Cleaning Off the Dashboard
Your dashboard has a lot of electronic equipment, so be careful as you clean it. Grab cleaning solution specifically designed to clean dash instrumentation safely. Follow the directions closely so that you do not accidentally damage anything. Our dashes get very dirty, as we always have our hands all over them. It’s not a bad idea to keep a bottle of dash cleaner nearby and use it after a particularly messy boating expedition, such as fishing.
Adding Sealants and Wax
To protect your boat against UV rays, and keep it looking like new, you should consider applying some boat sealants and wax. However, there is a difference between the two. Boat owners use sealants to fill in the pores of the boat’s gel coat. These sealants protect the boat for an entire season, meaning you’ll need to re-apply about once a year.
Boat wax, on the other hand, should go on every three to four months. Applying wax regularly makes it easier to clean and really improves the shine of your boat. Before applying boat wax, you need to clean and buff your boat, meaning you need to do this step last.
When buying boat wax and sealant, be sure you get the right kind. You need a sealant that is specifically for boats and the type of finish of your boat. Getting the wrong kind can damage your boat or prove less effective.
Cleaning the Boat Cover
Finally, if you use a cover for your boat, don’t forget to clean this. Placing a dirty cover on top of a clean boat undoes all your hard work. At the very least, use your hose to spray off the interior of the boat cover before placing it back on the boat.
Boat Cleaning and Detailing Made Easy in Grand Forks, ND
Giving your boat the thorough cleaning it deserves takes time. This is especially true at this time of year, as snow begins to melt, more dirt finds its way into our boats. Rather than spending a significant amount of time detailing your boat, time you could spend fishing or relaxing on the lake, there’s a simpler solution.
The team at Rydell Auto Group handles more than just car detailing. Our boat detailing service team is here to help your boat look new again in a short amount of time. Whether you’re taking your boat out of storage for the first time this year, planning to put it away soon, or just want a midseason touch-up, we have all the tools and chemicals needed for a thorough cleaning.
Schedule Specialty Boat Detailing in Grand Forks, ND
Are you in need of boat detailing? Schedule an appointment for boat detailing at the Rydell Detail Center. Or, if you have any questions about the best way to care for your boat, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are always available to answer questions or provide a quote for our boat detailing services.
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