How to wash a boat.

This article will give you a step by step guide on how to wash your boat like a professional. This is the first step before the detailing process begins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 5 gallon bucket
• Microfiber wash mitts
• Non skid deck brush
• Canvas brush
• Boat soap
• Pressure washer (optional)
• Degreaser

1. Rinse the entire boat to remove as much surface contaminates as possible. A pressure washer will save you a lot of time and effort on this step. You always start rinsing and washing from "top to bottom" and "front to back". This is how the boat is designed to have the water run-off it. Start with the canvas. Using your canvas brush and the bucket of suds, scrub in one direction and be thorough. Work any bird droppings and spider droppings extra. Use your degreaser to help remove any stubborn areas of dirt and grime.

2. Next move to the Glass and fiberglass above the rub rail. The glass and any "tight" areas like around the windshield wipers and hatches you should use your micro fiber wash mitts. Keep the boat rinsed throughout this process and free from soap drying on the boat. Use a combination of your deck brush and mitt to work the large fiberglass areas and be thorough! Don't forget the hatches! Keep using the degreaser!

3. Now the hull. Keep the pressure washer in full swing and use it as you feel needed. Using a combination of the degreaser and soap, work the hull "front to back" and "top to bottom". Use your mitt around the transom or engine area and any other tight spots your brush won't fit. After you've washed your boat now you should dry it! You can use an "absorber" or a waffle weave towel I think work the best. Happy Boating!

Tips & Warnings

• The degreaser you use should be an environmentally aware product as well as something designed for boat cleaning. Mermaid brand makes some good products.
• Some soaps are designed to remove wax with the wash and some are not. Know what you're buying and what result you're going for.
• Keep it simple and be thorough. Good things take time!
• This is the first step in the detailing process and there is much more to do to get your shine back.
• Careful with too powerful of a pressure washer as they can "cut".
• The EPA can fine you for dumping suds in the water so make sure you know your environmental laws for your city.
• Never use a product without reading the directions first and understanding the results of the products. Test areas first.