the Star brite Academy
Boat Care in a Bucket – A Must Have
I’m Captain Scott Goodwin, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Star brite Academy presented by Marker 24 Marina. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a fresh-faced first mate, you’ve embarked on a journey to master the art of boat cleaning, and you’re in for a treat.
As I look back through old fish pictures and think of the thousands of days I’ve spent offshore in my life so far, I sometimes think “for each of these photos, we had to clean and de-salt a boat.” That’s a lot of boat scrubbing and detailing. Yes, for the better part of that time, it was my full-time job to keep a boat spotless, but it also included many years of running charters where the boat is the last item on a long list of daily chores.
“Cleaning and protecting your boat will keep it functioning better. There is nothing harder on a boat than putting it up salty and wet.”
But keeping a boat clean is not just for looks. Yes, it leaves a good impression for those who see it and yes, it is a pleasing factor for arriving clients. Yes, it satisfies a personal drive to keep a nice boat and be proud of the job I do, but a clean boat goes well beyond “looks”. A clean boat is the first and very important step in the constant war against SALT! Salt, sun, and vibration are the constant enemies of your fishing machine. Let up your guard on any front and the elements will win.
Corrosion will set in immediately on your metalwork and accessories, electrical connections, and the hardware that holds it all together. Without proper cleaning, many systems on your boat will fail at a much faster pace than when they are given attention and prevention. Another benefit of cleaning is the fact that by the nature of it, you are giving your boat a once over for issues that are just starting like the missing screw here or the caulk coming out there. It’s a great time to be studying your boat for problems and making a list of “to do’s” to keep your rig dependable. Of course, keeping your boat clean and maintained preserves its value for when you want to upgrade. A boat that is well kept will fetch a much better price than one that is pitted, mildew stained, and rusty.
Now as I mentioned, boat cleaning has been a huge part of my career as a boat captain and mate. I know that it is harder when it is not your full-time job and you are squeezing fishing into an already jammed-up schedule. Monday morning you are heading back to work and unable to spend the post-fishing days detailing a boat. That is why it is important to set up a quick, efficient cleaning regiment using top-quality products to maximize the results of your boat preservation efforts. Star brite has been making cleaning products and waxes since 1973 and they have put together a Boat Care Bucket with all of the essentials to maintain your boat in top condition.
Star brite Boat Care Bucket
All of these boat cleaning products come in Star brite’s unbreakable 3.5-gallon bucket which is a manageable size bucket for moving around the boat and the perfect place to store your cleaning supplies when you’re done.
How to Wash and Maintain A Boat | Breaking Down the Bucket!
First, you need to de-salt your boat and get the grit off. Hose your vessel down and rinse any sand or large dirt out of the scuppers. You never want to get sand in your cleaning mitt or mops as you can then scratch finishes as you clean. The Reggae Wash Mitt is the perfect tool for soaping down all smooth surfaces and metalwork. The micro-fiber fingers hold lots of soap solution and will not scratch delicate surfaces. They can also be thrown in the washing machine once in a while to spruce them back to new.
As for mixing a soap solution, the Star brite Boat Wash is a concentrated, biodegradable cleaner that will not strip the wax from your boat or harm the environment around it. One bottle goes a long way as three capfuls will clean a 20-foot boat with no problem. Just soap the boat in sections and rinse well before the soapy water dries. The Boat Wash will rinse off streak-free without any residue. I would also highly recommend adding some Ultimate Water Absorbers from the Star brite line-up. If you take a few minutes to wipe down and dry all smooth surfaces and metal after you wash it, you will prevent harsh water spots and clean up any little spots you missed. Don’t let your friends miss out on the fun, buy some for them too and the job will go much faster.
Next, you can turn your attention to the deck of the boat which often bears the brunt of the day’s traffic. A little squirt of Non-Skid Deck Cleaner will loosen up dirt and grime on any surface. Spread it around with your deck brush and then wait a few minutes while special chelating agents loosen up the dirt. Hit it lightly with the brush again and rinse. In addition, Star brite’s protective polymers will create a barrier against future stains so the more you use it, the easier it will be to clean up. It is safe on any surface as well so don’t be afraid to spread some around.
The boat cleaning kit also comes with a bottle of Instant Hull Cleaner which can melt away rust stains, scum lines, and fish blood. This is not necessarily a daily cleaner but an excellent way to clean your hull and strip it down in preparation to apply Star brite’s Marine Polish. This premium polish creates a polymer coating that bonds to any surface to create a UV protective seal that will also repel stains and stubborn fish blood while preserving your boat’s glossy finish. One of the best parts is how easy it is to apply. Buff or hand wipe on and allow to haze, then buff back off with a microfiber rag. If your boat is chalky or oxidized, use a rubbing compound as a pre-step to the Marine Polish. The polish can also be applied to your metalwork to prevent permanent pitting.
Last but not least, don’t forget to maintain your expensive vinyl cushions and covers. Star brite makes several products for this and their Vinyl Brite Protector is an easy way to protect and moisturize vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces. Just spray or apply and buff excess off for a bright, water-resistant finish.
These simple steps performed in the right order will make your boat look great, function better and be worth more when it’s time to upgrade to your next boat.
the Star brite Academy
Captain Scott Goodwin
Taking care of your boat is a rewarding experience, and using quality products from Star brite can make the process easier and more effective. Remember, a well-maintained boat not only looks great but also ensures many enjoyable days on the water.
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