Considerations For Washing Your Boat After Being In Saltwater vs. Freshwater

Boat Washing Freshwater verse Saltwater

Although it’s best to wash your boat after each use, at the very least, rinse your boat after an outing in freshwater. However, if you are out in saltwater, Wash Your Boat Immediately!

The first thing to remember, in keeping your boat clean and in good condition, is to rinse regularly to remove grime and debris. Don’t give it time to build up and cause damage or create difficult-to-remove residue. 

When boating in freshwater, even if you don’t follow every rinse with a wash, you can still extend the life of your boat by keeping it as clean as possible. If you have time to do a quick wash, use a quality brush or sponge and Lustrelab® BoatWash & Shine(BW&S), and you’ll not only leave your boat clean, you’ll leave it protected from sun fade and with a renewed shine, without having to use Wax. You can even use BW&S in the water as it it environmentally safe!

On the other hand, after a day of boating on the ocean, you should wash your watercraft down immediately with freshwater. Saltwater is easier to clean, if you rinse before it has time to dry. If you don’t, the water will evaporate, leaving behind coarse salt particles stuck to your boat.

Hose down your boat with freshwater, using our Hi-Tech® Industries Industrial Spray Nozzle and BW&S, paying close attention to areas of exposed metal. Before you start scrubbing, hose off any excess debris to avoid scratching or damaging your boat’s surface. Once again rinsing thoroughly, and washing your boat with BW&S and one of our Captain's Choice™ Brushes, Sponges and/or Wash Mitts, after each use, will minimize scratching, eliminate the need for waxing and provide protection against salt, ultraviolet (UV) light, corrosion, and other forms of damage.

We don’t claim to be engine experts, but you’ll definitely want to flush the engine, making sure no salt is left behind. All surfaces of your boat should be washed/rinsed within 24 hours to avoid rust, corrosion and other damage. 

Fiberglass boats have a coating that covers the deck and hull, known as gelcoat. This is a colored, scratch-resistant polyester resin that protects the fiberglass from unnecessary damage and wear. Normal wear and tear can be expected over time, but using BW&S will minimize wear by repelling salt and grime and providing protection from sun fade and acid rain. The Acrylionic® formula will fill the microscopic crevices on your boat’s surface with acrylic, thus protecting the gelcoat, and leaving it shining, as though it has been waxed. The water sheeting effect prevents water beading which can result in water spots

One final tip, try to park in a shaded area when trailered, or cover the exposed fiberglass to protect it from UV rays when not in use. UV rays are one of the leading causes of damage and deterioration to the various surfaces on a boat, so limit sun exposure to the days that you’re actually there to enjoy it!

By David Tallon 0 comment

Share:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Just added to your wishlist:
My Wishlist
You've just added this product to the cart:
Go to cart page