21 Feb
Your vessel is a valuable investment. So why not ensure it stays in top condition to maximise the return when it comes time to sell or trade it in?
Protecting your boat’s decks and topsides is one of the simplest things an Owner can do to keep their vessel looking good. But leave your boat lying unattended and/or poorly maintained in the water and you will rack up a hefty repair bill.
In Australia and New Zealand due to our often harsh weather conditions, it’s especially important to undertake regular cleaning and maintenance, along with having a good set of covers to reduce weathering and UV damage from the sun.
Windcraft’s experienced Service Teams can advise on and set up a maintenance schedule including a quarterly Wash and Wax and a half-yearly Polish/Restore. They can also provide support for and manage bigger projects such as restoration and deck repairs.
Here’s some of the things you should be considering:
GRP
Non-skid boat decks are intended to improve your footing and reduce slips, falls, and injuries. Not cleaning non-skid surfaces decreases their effectiveness, and caked-on dirt and grime can wear down the surface prematurely as foot traffic grinds it into your deck, causing abrasions.
According to the experts, regular washing and cleaning maintain the integrity of your boat’s gel coat. If you leave your boat out, exposed to the weather, a quick hose every week or so will remove built-up dirt and grime and keep your boat looking new for longer.
After your boat has been out for a run thoroughly hose it down with fresh water. If it’s collected dirt or mud, wash with it boat soap. Windcraft Service recommends Salty Captain which has a comprehensive range of marine cleaning products. More at saltycaptain.com.au
Boat detailers advise for a primo clean, vacuum the deck to remove loose or bulky dirt and dust buildup before you apply the boat wash.
Mix a non-skid deck cleaner with warm water in a large bucket according to the instructions on the cleaner. Wet the deck with fresh water to loosen the dirt and grime trapped in its non-skid surface.
Use a soft-bristled brush and the cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains from your boat’s deck without scratching it.
Rinse the deck off with fresh, clean water to remove the dirt residue and remaining cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse the entire deck thoroughly so you don’t leave behind dirt or streaks of cleaning solution.
For a comprehensive clean, completely dry your boat’s deck with an absorbent towel to prevent moisture-related issues like mold and mildew and to ensure a clean finish.
SYNTHETIC TEAK
One of the main advantages of synthetic teak is that it requires less maintenance than the real thing. It does however still need periodic attention, using a nylon brush and water.
Pressure washing is the best way to get a deep clean on synthetic teak with much less scrubbing. Most domestic pressure washers can be used. Work along the planks in the direction of the grain for best results. A working height of around 30 cm should be sufficient and a maximum pressure of 135 bar.
Synthetic teak is reasonably stain resistant and most spills will be cleaned up with warm soapy water (for rapid stain removal, clean while the stain is fresh). Most manufacturers recommend the use of an alkaline degreasing detergent used with a stiff scrubbing brush. If a slight mark remains after a spill, try sanding with 60grade sandpaper, while remembering to follow the grain.
REAL TEAK
Modern teak decks are thinner (and lighter) than their predecessors and require regular care, so it’s vital you have a maintenance schedule.
Wash the deck every week if possible. If you don’t wash your deck regularly it will soon go grey and dirty. To keep your deck clean there is only one way, and that is a gentle wash with nothing more violent than a light detergent and a large sponge or very soft brush. If you do this regularly you will not wear down the teak, but you will wash off the dirt before it gets ingrained. Dirt contributes to the wear of a teak deck.
Don’t scrub it. Consider that you began with a lovely smooth surface, like a CD for example. After scrubbing it looks more like an LP record, but worse, much worse. Imagine now how quickly the ‘peaks’ will wear down as you walk on them.
Richard from RDG, one of Windcraft’s Detailing Service suppliers recommends the SEMCO range of teak cleaning and restoration products. But the professional advice is to wash the teak carefully and often.
COVERS
Uncovered boats are magnets for salt, dust, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, twigs, and just about anything else that travels through the air. Add in baking heat, high humidity, and intense UV rays, and you can quickly appreciate how a boat’s decks will benefit from protection from the elements.
Custom cover manufacturers such as SB Marine Trimming offer a high-quality service using Acrylic Canvas, PVC or Clear Polycarbonate materials, producing tailored covers to match your specific requirements.
Don’t forget though maintaining your covers is just as important as maintaining your boat. You should do a monthly check at least of your stitching, zips, fittings, straps, and ties for any wear points or small tears.
Our Windcraft Service Teams can help with all your detailing needs, as well as organising surface maintenance during Annual Services in the form of cleaning, restoration and polishing.
To Contact Windcraft Service:
Australia – support@windcraftservice.com
New Zealand – nzsupport@windcraftservice.com
