Boat owners often hunt for ways that they can use for keeping their marine vessels in good condition for a long time and protect the valuable investment. Regular maintenance is an important part of the upkeep process. Let us take a look at some of the basics for keeping that schooner of yours functional for a prolonged period.
Rinsing With Water :
If your boat travels in saline water more often, make sure that you give it a freshwater bath after every trip. Do not forget to clean any residue of salt left behind on its exterior entirely, because they can corrode the surface finish. During the task, make use of soft sponges and wash the deck, sides, hardtops and exterior fibreglass thoroughly. Rinse the canvas covers, if any, using appropriate fabric cleaners. Dry the interiors before closing up the boat, because trapped moisture can cause mildew growth and formation of rust.
Protecting The Upholstery :
In order to protect marine upholstery in Sydney from damage, treat them from time to time using commercial vinyl treatment solutions or cleaners. Wipe down the seatings with a damp cloth for eliminating salt and dirt. If there is any kind of mildew growth, clean it immediately using a mixture of ammonia and water and a medium brush. Apply wax on the seats to prevent color fading due to the UV rays. If you notice that the seats have become ratty in appearance, it would be better to get them replaced. You can either do the job of replacing vinyl upholstery of the boat seats by yourself or call in a professional to handle the task.
Flush The Engine :
If your boat is dry stored or tailored boat, recognise the fact that you need to flush traces of salt and other impurities from the cooling system using freshwater. However, make sure you do the task by following the user’s manual of the boat. You may also require to wash the sterndrive or outboard. Spraying corrosion inhibitors on the drives and engine can be a good idea, but do so as per the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Clean The Windows :
The interior as well as exterior surface of the windows in your boat will have to be cleaned using commercial cleaning agents. If they are not available, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water instead. Apply the solution on the surface of the windows and then wipe gently using a dry cloth.