Cleaning your vessel this Spring doesn’t have to be an arduous chore. Check out the following tips and procedures to make your first step of the boating season a successful one!

Spring is an exciting time for recreational boaters. Warm winds and sunshine prevail, while the anticipation to head out on the water is stronger than ever. If you spent time cleaning your boat properly in the fall, there’ll be less work. On the other hand, if you stored your boat with minimal attention, you’ll be cleaning up last year’s grime plus the mess from the past winter. But by establishing and following a spring cleaning routine, this arduous chore is made much easier.

Regular cleaning also helps avoid using environmentally non-friendly cleaning products. Strict government regulations introduced over the last five years forced manufacturers to introduce environmentally friendly cleaning products. These are commonly found at your local chandlery, marina and large retail outlets. As a general rule, avoid products that warn against eye or prolonged skin contact.

As boating becomes more regulated, and cleaning and maintenance practices come under regulatory order by the provincial government, the use of toxic cleaning products will become more controlled. In some areas of the United States, several cleaning and maintenance chemicals and procedures must be used in specified safe areas by qualified technicians. While these procedures are quite costly, it does pays off to establish and follow a regular cleaning routine.

THE FIRST LOOK UNDER THE COVER…
This is the moment when you find out how much dirt, grime, dust and sometimes, water and mould, has invaded your boat. Squirrels, raccoons and mice or other rodents easily turn your boat into a winter home over the cold months and the damage can be insurmountable, so inspect thoroughly. If you used shrink-wrap, dispose of it properly. Many marinas have disposal facilities for shrink-wrap. It’s even a good idea to reuse them as drop cloths if you plan on scraping and painting your hull.

The cover’s framework can also leave scuff marks on the gelcoat. These marks can easily be buffed or polished off. Once the cover is off, inspect the interior. If you didn’t clean the bilge in the fall, clean it now. It will be dirty and if you do use heavy-duty cleaners, dispose of the rags by following your marina’s or municipality’s guidelines.

NOW THE CLEANING PART...
Cockpit carpeting should be removed, thoroughly cleaned, then hung over a clothesline to dry. Permanent carpeting can be scrubbed with a mild soap solution. To get rid of access water, a wet-dry vacuum works best.

If you didn’t take off the seat upholstery before winter storage, they may be stained or have a musty odour. Remove the covers (if applicable) and clean using a mild solution. The foam underneath may also be musty or dirty, but a good soaking in a bathtub with a vinegar and water solution should do the trick. If you can’t remove the upholstery, wash the seats with soap and water. You may, however, want to check with your local dealer or manufacturer to avoid staining or permanent damage.

All the windows will require a quick wipe, with an effective window cleaner for sparkling shine, while vinyl, Bimini tops and other canvas will need a good scrubbing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Stainless steel or aluminum deck hardware should be inspected for rust and a tight fit.
Pits caused by salt water cannot be cleaned out of metal. What you can do, however, is stabilize the damage and seal it with a polish.

LEAKS AND WATER
One main problem that can develop over the winter are leaks, which cause mould and mildew when the weather gets warmer. Once this starts, immediate attention is required. If it’s really bad, you may have to replace the afflicted part. Leaks can also cause wood trim or cabinetry to rot, so ensure all the windows are properly sealed. If you see water, try and trace it back to the source immediately.

Water can also be misleading. For example, many covers, and frame covers tied to hand rails, deck cleats or other deck hardware can become loose over the winter and allow snow, ice or rain to seep in. Always be sure the cover was tight and the shrink-wrap wasn’t worn in any areas to eliminate the cover as a possible source for the water. (Page Top)