Care

Boat Care (Cleaning & Detailing)

Scope
Keep the vessel clean, dry, and salt-free while protecting gelcoat/paint, teak, stainless, acrylics/isinglass, and upholstery using marine-safe, non-abrasive products and repeatable procedures.

Frequencies

  • After every run: fresh-water rinse and dry.
  • Weekly: pH-neutral exterior wash. ( as per customer request)
  • Monthly: light detailing (stainless, glass, vinyl, acrylics).
  • Quarterly: deep-clean & seal teak (as needed).
  • Semiannual: hull/topside wax or polymer sealant.

Exterior Procedure (Hull & Deck)

  1. Pre-rinse: top-down rinse with fresh or DI/RO water to remove salt.
  2. pH-neutral wash: two-bucket method (with grit guards) + microfiber wash mitt; small sections; no pressure washer near seams, bearings, or teak.
  3. Dry: PVA chamois or short-pile microfiber to prevent water spotting.
  4. Protect: marine wax or polymer/ceramic sealant on gelcoat/paint.

Avoid: household detergents, ammonia, bleach, abrasives (they dull gelcoat and attack stainless).

Teak (Always with the grain)

  • Routine: soft-bristle brush + pH-neutral soap.
  • Deep clean (discoloration/stains):
    • Step 1: marine oxalic-based cleaner (follow dilution).
    • Rinse thoroughly.
    • Step 2: neutralizer.
  • Protect: water-based teak sealer (not oily coatings) to preserve color and grip.
  • Do not use: harsh sanding, stiff brushes, or pressure washers (they raise fibers).

Upholstery & Interiors

  • Marine vinyl: mild soap, rinse, dry, then UV protectant.
  • Fabrics/foam: low-moisture clean, mildew inhibitor, forced drying.
  • Interior woodwork: microfiber + wood cleaner; condition; spot-varnish as required.

Acrylics, Isinglass & Canvas

  • Acrylics/isinglass: dedicated microfiber (only for clears) + ammonia-free cleaner; fine polish if swirls appear.
  • Canvas: mild soap, rinse, then water-repellent after drying.

Stainless & Glass

  • Stainless: desalinate, apply non-abrasive metal polish with corrosion inhibitor; treat “tea staining” using oxalic-based products, then rinse/neutralize.
  • Glass: silicone-free glass cleaner; finish with squeegee.

Bilges & Technical Spaces

  • Marine-safe biodegradable degreaser; remove oils with absorbent pads; dry and deodorize.
  • Log any leaks/corrosion for corrective maintenance.

Approved Chemical Types

  • Marine pH-neutral shampoo (exterior).
  • Oxalic cleaner + neutralizer (teak / light rust).
  • UV protectant (vinyl/upholstery).
  • Non-abrasive stainless polish with inhibitor.
  • Ammonia-free acrylic cleaner.
  • Marine wax/polymer or light ceramic sealant (gelcoat/paint).
  • Biodegradable bilge degreaser.

Never mix acids with bleach—this releases chlorine gas. Always check SDS and label directions.

Tools & PPE

Microfiber mitts/towels (color-coded), two buckets with grit guards, soft teak brush, PVA chamois, spray bottles, fine polishing pads, squeegee, nitrile gloves, safety glasses/respirator as needed.

QC Checklist (Fast)

  • Salt removed; surfaces dry; no water spots.
  • Teak clean, even matte, fibers intact.
  • Stainless free of tea staining; hardware coated/protected.
  • Clears (acrylic/isinglass) streak-free; canvas treated.
  • Upholstery clean, UV-protected; bilges dry/deodorized.
  • Photo record + checklist signed per zone.

Professional assurance: Certified crews, documented SOPs, marine-grade chemicals, and consistent technique that preserves finishes, elevates appearance, and extends service life.