How to Rinse a Sailboat

A marine environment can be hard on the gel coat and the hardware of your boat. In foul weather, salt spray from the water will dry on the surfaces and sails. The salt crystals wear and corrode metal surfaces. Rinse the boat after use to help your vessel last longer with fewer repairs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Rig a hose up with a spray nozzle at the dock. The nozzle provides an easy way to direct the water. Use biodegradable soap to wash your vessel. The soap will run off into the water, so minimize any impact on the environment.

2. Spray down the sails. Remove any dried water spray from your voyage. This will take away the salt crystals that can become abrasive during storage. If you store your sails without washing them, the abrasion will gradually degrade the sails.

3. Wash the boat from top to bottom. Apply the soap to the topmost surfaces and work your way down to the waterline. Work on shoe scuffs and marks from dark soled shoes, which can be difficult to remove.

4. Spray the hardware as you work your way down the boat. The salt can corrode even aluminum parts. The brass hardware will tarnish and turn green or rust and become useless.

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