Boat Detailing Like a Pro: The Complete Guide to a Spotless Boat

Every year, there are nearly 300,000 new boats built and sold.   

The boating industry has remained popular in the United States for decades. If properly maintained, your boat will look great and last a long time. 

One aspect of proper maintenance is boat detailing. Boats get dirty all the time. They get dust from the road, mud from the shore, and grime that builds up over regular use. Depending on where you are, your boat may also get salt and lime buildup. 

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Boat Detailing

When you detail a boat, you’re going to get all that dirt, mud, debris, and grime off of the boat. A few things that will make your boat detailing job easier are a power washer, a good cleaner, and a good chamois that will make your boat's hull shine.

If you don’t have a power washer, a good hose nozzle for cleaning a boat will work just fine. You can’t skimp on the cleaner though. It’s going to have a lot of work ahead. 

1. Start With the Rinse

This is where a good nozzle or power washer comes in handy. You need to rinse the boat down, blasting away any grime that has built up on the outside. Good boat detailing starts with making sure that the hull of your boat is ready for cleaning. 

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2. It’s Time to Soap and Scrub 

The next step you will take is to soap down the boat's hull and scrub it. Make sure that you use a good soap made for boat hulls. This will help you get through the built-up layer of grime that accumulates on the outside of your boat. 

A great brush will make a huge difference in getting your boat detailing done right. As good as water and cleaners are, nothing replaces a good scrubbing. At this point, your boat should look immaculate. Between the water, chemicals, and scrubbing, the exterior will be completely cleared. 

3. The Wipe Down 

Once the boat has been soaped, scrubbed, and cleaned, it is time to wipe it down. The goal here is to buff the outside. Some people use powered cleaners, but your elbow grease is all that's required to get this step done. Once the boat has been wiped down and buffed, you're ready to go to the next step. 

4. Marine Polish and Wax 

To make the outside of your boat really shine, it’s time to get some marine polish and wax. This will make your boat shine like brand new again. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying the wax and make sure you get a nice even layer. 

5. Move It to the Inside 

The outside of your boat needs to be cleaned regularly, but the inside is where you need to put a lot of time. Boats get wet all the time. It’s their job. That water can cause mildew and mold to grow on upholstery and vinyl. 

Use a good mildew stain remover to get your interior looking great again. Once you get all the mildew, mold and grime scrubbed out of the inside, vacuum the interior.

Remember that polish and wax don’t just happen on the outside of the boat. Once you remove the grime, you can go back through and make the inside of your boat shine. 

There are many products for use in the interior of a boat. Depending on what is inside your boat, you may need upholstery brushes or other specialized tools. If you are serious about keeping your boat beautiful and clean, make sure that you invest in some task-specific tools to help. 

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6. The Final Inspection

Once you have finished, go back over the boat. Look for any missed spots or anything that doesn’t seem as clean as the rest of the boat. Take time here to polish and spot-clean anything that needs it. 

This is the final step before you cover your boat. A boat cover will help keep your boat clean and protect it. The sun breaks down a boat's interior over time, and keeping it covered will greatly extend its life. Even marine vinyl can be damaged by the sun. 

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Using the Right Tools

Using the right tools will cut down on the time you spend on boat detailing. In the end, they’re a big convenience to have. Boats can be made of a lot of different materials. You will need different supplies and chemicals if you have a wood hull. 

No matter what boat you have, the first few times you detail your boat, expect to spend a lot of time. Work out a routine for yourself that helps you to get the job done in an efficient manner. Once you improve your routine and get used to detailing with all the chemicals and tools, the amount of time you spend detailing your boat will decrease. 

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The Cost of Having It Cleaned

If you choose to have a professional clean your boat, you will likely spend hundreds of dollars on the boat detailing. Doing it yourself will not only save you money, but it will give you time to go over your boat carefully. You can spot any damage that needs repaired and even do safety checks on your boat. 

Boat Detailing Is Necessary for the Life of Your Boat

Keeping a boat clean and waxed is essential to its longevity. Going out for a day on the water in a dirty boat is not fun. Don’t risk the damage that comes with not having a boat that is waxed and polished. Proper boat detailing will keep your boat looking nice and your family happy for years to come. 

For any of the products you have seen, turn to Better Boat. We sell only high-quality boat products that will make your job a lot easier.

Contact us today to find out what boat care products we can offer you.

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