How to Maintain a Boats Shine!

Detailing boats is something I've done over the course of summers working at the Jersey Shore. Running my own small business detailing and maintaining boats has led me to understand the process and products. There are so many products on the market and so many different ways it can be done, but I plan to show you what I think is the best way. Detailing is something that many individuals pay to have done, but if you're willing to get your hands dirty anyone can do it!

To detail your boat, you will need:

1. Small Power Washer (Optional)
2. Boat Soap
3. Spray Nine Marine
4. Deck Brush & Wash Mitt
5. Drying Towel or Shammy
6. Microfiber Towels
7. Meguiar's Cleaner Wax Marine
8. DA Polisher & Foam Pad to Fit (Optional, Helps Accelerate the Waxing Process)
9. Bucket For Soap and Water
10. Magic Erasers
11. 303 Aerospace a Protectant for cushions.

1. Before you start washing your boat, remove everything that will prevent you from thoroughly washing it.
2. Don't forget to remove belongings from hatches that you want to clean.

1. Power Wash the boat and knock all the dirt off.
2. Start by Washing all hatches out, such as live wells, fish boxes, and even your bilge. You can spray them with Spray Nine first to break down mold and mildew.
3. After you do the hatches, start washing from the top down, knocking all the dirt off.
4. For any stains, use Spray Nine and your magic eraser. (You may have to let it soak to break down the dirt).
5. Use Spray Nine and your deck brush on the floor to brighten them. (Again, you may have to let the floors soak and scrub them a couple of times to make them clean).

1. Now that you've cleaned your boat, dry all the surfaces because you don't want water spots!
2. Use your shammy or drying towel to do this.
3. After you've dried the boat, open any hatches you washed to let them dry out as you go and wash your cushions.

1. If you have cushions, you will want to remove them from the boat and find an area to wash them.
2. Start by spraying them down with Spray Nine. Let them soak for a few minutes, then scrub with a magic eraser, and repeat until the cushions are clean.
3. After your cushions are clean, protect them with 303 Aerospace Protectant and follow the directions on the bottle for application.

1. If you are using a DA polisher, apply wax to the pad evenly. You don't need to put a lot. I usually put 4-6 dime-size dots of wax to start and add as needed.
2. Work a small section, 3'x3' foot, and do one pass vertically and one pass horizontally to ensure even coverage. Run your machine on setting 2 or 3. If you are doing this by hand, apply the wax to your microfiber cloth and do the same. For any chrome, apply the wax to a microfiber cloth and apply.
3. Let the Wax dry to a haze after 5-10 minutes, depending on the temperature and weather it will be dry. Fold a microfiber cloth into a square and remove the excess Wax to reveal the shine!

Now that your boat is all cleaned up, you can enjoy it with your family and friends or put it away for the winter, depending on when you do this!