Wipe Down/Clean Up

[ckdollar]

We have our boat on a raised slip and use it 2-3 times a week currently. I was just curious what everyone thought about the necessity of wiping it down after each use, both inside and out, when we generally take it right back out a day or two later.

[DanielC]

"necessity" is such a strong word. Is it necessary, no. You could wait until the end of the season, and then it would be a job to have to clean it completely. But about mid July, your boat is not going to be looking all that good. If it is covered, and never completely dries out, it might start to smell a little "funky"

At the same time, i definitely suggest you change the engine oil and filter every 50 hours, and at the end of the season. Change the transmission fluid every other oil change, and also at the end of the season. Do the other mechanical check your service manual recommends. Those are necessary.

But if you keep it reasonably clean, it really will not take all that long. it will be easier to clean at the end of the season, also. A quick wipe down, while it is still wet, is a lot easier instead of trying to remove dried on water spots.

Some people are really picky about their boats. Sometimes, I think they are so worried about a little dirt, or a minor scratch, they really do not enjoy their boat.

It is your boat you decide what you want to do.

[Chexi]

Wiping down your boat is a great unwinding ritual. I actually enjoy it and find it to be relaxing at the end of long day in the sun.

[SkiTower]

Mine gets wiped down after every use and it stays clean, but I don't get to use it as often as you do. In your case, maybe a decent wipedown once a week and maybe after any major uses.

[sjames]

Wipe down with Babe's Boat spray

[Nautiquehunter]

Wipe down inside and out after EVERY use . Inside storage in a dry garage. Complete detail and wax every 4-5 weeks.
If you do that your boat will look like this 23 years later.

[2gofaster]

Keep a gallon of Babe's Boat Brite and Babe's Seat Soap around. A quick spray down with Babe's and follow up wipe down takes 5 minutes total. Your boat will stay in much better condition. There will be no water spots to have to deal with later. If you do this, the only thing you'll have to do once or twice a year is clean the carpet. FWIW.......babe's is really good. I use it on my cars also.

[johnboyy7]

at the very least, wipe down the outside. i really doesnt take that long to wipe down the outside and seats. with help, 5 mins. well worth it to me. water attracts dust/dirt, then it drys onto the surface making a spot and harder to remove.

my crew knows the routine. as soon as the boat is trailored they grap a towel.

[mcbridek]

I only clean the inside one a month or so - the outside everytime we use the boat - 4 to 5 times a week. It also depends on the water, where we are the water is brown and leaves residue at the waterline. Only takes a minute to wipe down with a sponge then dry with the absorber. Plus it then looks like new. The next problem is the carpet - we ski off a dock, but if much water gets on the carpet, it does not take long andt is stained. I use the an extra piece of carpet on the drivers side (Lowes) and it helps a bit.

[swc5150]

Just an additional thought; the blue microfiber towels from Walmart are great for wiping down the exterior after each use. Any microfiber towel is great, they're just inexpensive at Wallyworld.

[mdvalant]

make a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Spray on, white off. It will make it shine and remove the hard water spots. do it after every outting.

[ckdollar]

Thanks for the advice everyone

[srock]

Huh...My lift kept boat is always covered but more often than not gets a hose down of the interior every so often and usually before use to clear out the random dirt/dust. I'll hose the carpet at the end of the day if I'm hauling kids with snacks. It gets a good detail at 50 hour oil changes. I don't get the excessive cleaning of fresh water use boats. If you find it enjoyable, have at it, but really how much wax and vinyl protectant do you need? If your slipping off the seat and dropping the handle, perhaps too much. I would think the use of vinegar, a mild acid would strip any wax but effectively remove water line stains. BTW, I do use a cover that covers the sides from sun and my 2001 boat looks new.

I say a good detail every 50 hours and a wash as necessary. Keep the cover on and sun off the boat when not in use and spend your time on the water.

[migs]

wipe her down (exterior) after every use. Takes 15 minutes and shell be looking showroom at all times. Inside you can get away with every couple of days if youre lazy at the end of the day. If you always keep her clean, its always a quick cleanup job.

[Chexi]

We are not saying to aerospace 303 every time. Just a quick wipe down will go a long way. If you are still in doubt, read, "The Little Prince", specifically Chapter 5. "Enfants! Faites attention aux baobabs."