The cleaning of boats

I am not sure why but boats get really really dirty.  You would think that spending its time suspended in water that it would not develop the layers of dirt that it does.  What ever the reason its one of the prices to be paid as a boat owner.  You have two choices, clean it or leave it alone.

Since I am selling my boats and want to maximize the funds raised by the sale, I need to clean them.  This breaks down into 4 areas for me.  First, there is the topsides and deck.  Next we have the interior; then the bottom and finally, it a separate category cushions and canvas.  Some may notice that I left brightwork off.  I just consider it part of the area its in and will deal with it there.

Each area develops a distinct category of filth.  The topsides and deck develop a haze and gel-coat oxidation dust. But it also has those infamous black streaks that seem to develop from the air.  But its easy enough clean.  Cheap boat soap works great and is easier on the environment than some of the cleaners with PTEF.  For the tougher stains, I first turn to soft-scrub and a good brush.  If that doesn’t work its time for the ultimate cleaning utensil for boats: Melamine foam.  It better known as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  For about 9 bucks and 6 weeks wait time you can get 100 of them shipped from China.  Its worth the wait.  Magic eraser cuts dirt like nothing else.  But I digress.

For my cabin, which obviously I don’t have on the center console boat, I clean with soap and water or vinegar.  Vinegar mixed with water is a great cleaner.  Its not toxic to people, but it is extremely toxic to mold.  It gets rid of mold and keeps it from coming back for a long period of time.  The need for this on a boat can not be over emphasized.  There are other products that work wonder on mold too, if you don’t like the smell of vinegar.  You can try boraxo, baking soda and expensive tea tree oil.  The technique for cleaning is easy.  Wipe everything down to remove dust and stains.  Where dirt has accumulated in the corner, you know, scrub.  And don’t forget the magic eraser…

The magic eraser, generically called Melamine Foam, is by far the greatest cleaning device devised for boats.  Ok, maybe not specifically devised for boats, but damn does it cut through crud.  Just wet the sponge and wring it out, there are no chemicals or other ingredients (if you don’t count melamine), and start scrubbing.  Old vinyl cushions with mold and dirt are no match for the foam eraser.  You can by 100 of them on Amazon for like 9 bucks; but order in advance because China is a long way away.