 
Boat Maintenance 101
How to Maintain that New-Boat Shine for Years by Adam Lenk
From saltwater to intense sun, your boat is exposed to great
deal of harsh elements which are just waiting to attack its
glossy finish. And let's face it; the first thing that people
looking to buy a used boat notice is the appearance of the
boat. That is why it is so important to keep the finish on
your boat looking shiny and new if you ever plan on selling
it and upgrading to a newer model.
One of the best ways to maintain that new finish shine is
to keep up with the routine maintenance of your boat. A little
rinsing, cleaning and waxing, if done properly, should be
all it takes to keep your boat looking new for years to come.
Here's how:
Rinsing. Your boat should be rinsed with freshwater after
each time it is taken out. It doesn't take much time to do
and it will cut down your other maintenance chores drastically.
Washing. You should begin washing your boat by rinsing away
all of the dirt and grime that could scratch the finish while
it is being washed. Then, using a marine boat soap (regular
detergents will dull your finish and strip the wax off of
your boat), wash your boat with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse
thoroughly.
Drying. It is very important to dry the finish on your boat
so that you are not left with spots and dull residue. One
of the best ways to do this is to use a combination of a quick
drying water blade and a chamois cloth.
Waxing. Your boat should be waxed approximately every two
months or more often if you live in very warm or tropical
areas. First you should prep the surface using a fiberglass
hull cleaner to remove all barnacles, algae and scum. Once
that is finished, you can start the waxing and buffing process.
Paste boat wax products usually work best and do the most
for protecting your finish. If you prefer the convenience
and ease of a liquid wax product, you will have to reapply
and polish more often.
While it may take a little time and effort, keeping up with
your boat's maintenance is one of the best things that you
can do to protect your investment. What takes just a few minutes
now may save you a great deal of headache and money in the
future.
About the Author
By Adam Lenk
For more boating articles and information visit my website
at http://www.boatingproshop.com
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