When it comes to selecting a boat cleaner, the biggest considerations are usually price, the effectiveness in cleaning the boat finish, and the product’s environmental impact. Who doesn’t want the most effective cleaner with the least environmental impact at the lowest price? So, where to start? For some expert advice, we turned to Annapolis liveaboard and Fawcett Boat Supplies store manager Rob Fettus.
“If you’re looking for a really good general boat soap, Super Suds, manufactured by MaryKate, suds up beautifully, won’t strip your wax, and is a very good value. It’s one of the most popular standard cleaners we have in the store,” says Fettus. “As with any soap, it’s important to rinse the boat thoroughly and soak everything down before you apply it.”
Before you grab the hose and start working up a lather, take a minute and make sure your boat finish doesn’t require a specialized cleaner. “The type of cleaner you need depends on the finish of your boat, gelcoat or painted,” says Fettus. “If a boat’s painted with a product such as Awlgrip, and a lot of boats are, it takes a special cleaner, not just standard soap. Awlgrip’s a wonderful product, but it’s critical to clean it with Awlwash. As with a general soap, maintain a wet surface, and if it’s a big boat, work in relatively small sections. After it’s clean use Awlcare, a polymer sealer, instead of a wax, to help maintain the integrity of the paint job.”
Fettus continues, “For tough fiberglass stains, Sudbury makes a dry fiberglass powder cleaner that’s very popular. However, if you prefer a spray, MaryKate makes a product called Spray Away, which is especially good for removing bird droppings, fish blood stains, and other similar stains.” Fettus adds, “When using these products, be aware that they will strip wax, and that the MaryKate product is petroleum based, so you have to be careful not to use it in direct sunlight or to let it dry on your surfaces.”
When it comes to applying wax, Fettus has a couple of suggestions. “If it’s a light job, meaning the boat isn’t too oxidized, you can use a light oxidation wax such as Collinite Fleetwax 870, which is a combination cleaner and wax. If it’s a tougher job— you’re really powdery in your surface or your fiberglass looks terrible, Meguiars No. 49 Oxidation Remover works great and should be followed up with their No. 56 Pure Wax.”
Fettus adds, “For the yellow-green muck on the water line, Boat Brite makes the best cleaner, and for fabric care on biminis and cushions, Gold Eagle 303 will clean and revive water repellency.” Finally, for the hard-to-get grooves in non-skid decks, Fettus recommends Starbrite non-skid deck cleaner. “It’s incredibly effective, very affordable, and used by many professionals.”
With regard to environmental impact, Fettus says, “Everybody’s concerned about the environment, and it’s important when you select cleaners. Be sure they are phosphate-free, bleach-free, and biodegradable.”
Although most of us probably run down to the local marine supply store for our cleansers, some boaters prefer to use household products such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. But remember, while some homemade solutions may be less toxic to the environment, they’re still not good for your local waterway. So after using any cleaner, whether home-brewed or store-bought, dispose of wastewater properly. Happy cleaning, and we look forward to seeing your gleaming boats on the water! For more clean boating tips, click here.
Friday, March 11, 2016 - 12:00
When it comes to selecting a boat cleaner, the biggest considerations are usually price, the effectiveness in cleaning the boat finish, and the product’s environmental impact. Who doesn’t want the most effective cleaner with the least environmental impact at the lowest price? So, where to start? For some expert advice, we turned to Annapolis liveaboard and Fawcett Boat Supplies store manager Rob Fettus.
“If you’re looking for a really good general boat soap, Super Suds, manufactured by MaryKate, suds up beautifully, won’t strip your wax, and is a very good value. It’s one of the most popular standard cleaners we have in the store,” says Fettus. “As with any soap, it’s important to rinse the boat thoroughly and soak everything down before you apply it.”
Before you grab the hose and start working up a lather, take a minute and make sure your boat finish doesn’t require a specialized cleaner. “The type of cleaner you need depends on the finish of your boat, gelcoat or painted,” says Fettus. “If a boat’s painted with a product such as Awlgrip, and a lot of boats are, it takes a special cleaner, not just standard soap. Awlgrip’s a wonderful product, but it’s critical to clean it with Awlwash. As with a general soap, maintain a wet surface, and if it’s a big boat, work in relatively small sections. After it’s clean use Awlcare, a polymer sealer, instead of a wax, to help maintain the integrity of the paint job.”
Fettus continues, “For tough fiberglass stains, Sudbury makes a dry fiberglass powder cleaner that’s very popular. However, if you prefer a spray, MaryKate makes a product called Spray Away, which is especially good for removing bird droppings, fish blood stains, and other similar stains.” Fettus adds, “When using these products, be aware that they will strip wax, and that the MaryKate product is petroleum based, so you have to be careful not to use it in direct sunlight or to let it dry on your surfaces.”
When it comes to applying wax, Fettus has a couple of suggestions. “If it’s a light job, meaning the boat isn’t too oxidized, you can use a light oxidation wax such as Collinite Fleetwax 870, which is a combination cleaner and wax. If it’s a tougher job— you’re really powdery in your surface or your fiberglass looks terrible, Meguiars No. 49 Oxidation Remover works great and should be followed up with their No. 56 Pure Wax.”
Fettus adds, “For the yellow-green muck on the water line, Boat Brite makes the best cleaner, and for fabric care on biminis and cushions, Gold Eagle 303 will clean and revive water repellency.” Finally, for the hard-to-get grooves in non-skid decks, Fettus recommends Starbrite non-skid deck cleaner. “It’s incredibly effective, very affordable, and used by many professionals.”
With regard to environmental impact, Fettus says, “Everybody’s concerned about the environment, and it’s important when you select cleaners. Be sure they are phosphate-free, bleach-free, and biodegradable.”
Although most of us probably run down to the local marine supply store for our cleansers, some boaters prefer to use household products such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. But remember, while some homemade solutions may be less toxic to the environment, they’re still not good for your local waterway. So after using any cleaner, whether home-brewed or store-bought, dispose of wastewater properly. Happy cleaning, and we look forward to seeing your gleaming boats on the water! For more clean boating tips, click here.