If you buy a boat you might want to bear in mind that salt and sun mixed together are a perfect cocktail for rust and for making your boat age very quickly!
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After a lovely long day out on the North Sound and lunching over at Kaibo, the last thing you probably want to consider is washing, cleaning and maintaining your boat. Taking a few minutes to hose down the boat with fresh water is probably one of the easiest maintenance procedures you can do. This will cut down the chance of corrosion on your engines, Bimini tops, snaps and other metal parts.
Boat Maintenance Tips
It is also recommended that you do the following:
- Flush your outboard motors, preferably using products such as Salt Terminator, each and every time you take out the boat.
- Give your boat a soapy wash using a premium marine non-phosphate and non-toxic “boat wash.” This will ensure that you are getting rid of any contaminants from the sea, while keeping all your waxes on and the environment safe. Never use a household detergent on your boat!
- Wax your boat using a premium marine wax once every 6-12 months. This will revive the look of the boat considerably and protect the boat from salt and sun. The wax can be applied by hand, but it’s easier with a good dual action polisher to get the job done quickly.
- Use a non-slip floor cleaner for your boat floors, marine aluminium cleaner for the aluminium top, detailing spray, premium marine vinyl cleaner and protector for all vinyl.
Use only marine products, including brushes, for scrubbing and make certain that all products used don’t endanger aquatic life or degrade our waters. Marine cleaning products can be picked up at Automotive Art, Harbour House Marina, Kirk Marine and Scotts Marine. These companies also undertake cleaning if you would prefer not to do this yourself.
All washing, waxing, polishing and compounding can be applied on all painted or gel-coated, fibreglass or urethane surfaces including the engines and engine covers, interior floors and gunnels, to keep them all shining like new. Invest in good covers for your boat and engine to prolong their life. Blocking out the sun is by far the best solution to keeping everything in pristine shape. Don’t forget to give your trailer a fresh-water wash down every time you launch your boat. To keep it in tip-top shape remember to use a non-slip floor cleaner for your boat floors, marine aluminium cleaner for the aluminium top, detailing spray, premium marine vinyl cleaner and protector for all vinyl. To prevent those snaps from freezing up, get a jar of petroleum jelly and a small hard bristle paint brush and apply liberally.
If you keep your boat in the water permanently you will need the hull to be coated in anti-fouling paint. This process will need to be repeated annually to protect your boat from barnacles and algae. If left uncoated marine growth will cause a drastic reduction in the performance of your vessel as well as risking long term damage to the hull itself and engine(s). It is recommended that anti-fouling is carried out by a professional dealer who can haul your boat out and apply using trained staff. Anti-fouling is extremely caustic and is carcinogenic so should be applied using the proper cover ups to include full respirator mask and gloves.
Engine service should be undertaken regularly and in conjunction with the warranty (this would normally be carried out at the same time as anti-fouling). Fluid levels should be checked regularly along with the batteries.
Boat Maintenance & Repairkeyboard_arrow_right
Marine companies in Cayman employ very well qualified marine technicians who can repair and maintain any make or model of boat sold in Cayman. Many of marine maintenance and repair companies also offer propeller repair services.
Marine Upholsterykeyboard_arrow_right
Boat cushions and Bimini tops fade and crack fairly quickly on boats, especially if the salt water is not rinsed off at the end of a day of boating. Clips and zips also seize up.
Boat Storagekeyboard_arrow_right
If you don’t have your own boat dock, you plan on being off the Island for some time, or you’re getting prepared for hurricane season, then you’ll want to consider a safe and secure storage facility for your boat.
Boat Securitykeyboard_arrow_right
Although a relatively rare occurrence, there have been incidences of boats being stolen. The theft of valuable fishing, diving and boating equipment has also become more frequent in recent years. Read on for basic security advice, the best devices to secure your boat and the companies who you can consult and purchase from.
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