After a long day on the water cruising with family or checking out a new lake, the last thing we all want to think about at the end of the day is cleaning and rinsing off the boat.
Anytime you use your watercraft, it’s essential to clean it after use to rid it of any dirt, mud, debris and possible animal life, as well as fully drain out any residual water in the boat.
First, make sure to inspect it and check the bottom for any water plants and pull them all off. Tilt your motor down to drain any access water out, especially larger engines. Make sure to drain plugs and all water out before storing or transporting your boat.
Next, to remove and prevent the buildup of salt, soil, and grime, clean the hull and deck with a mild household detergent and water. Detergent can then be applied with a sponge or scrubbing pad. With just a rinse, you’re good to go. Don't’ forget your trailer tires and wheels, they just need a quick scrub with a small brush or pad to clean away grease and dirt from the rims and sidewalls.
Make sure your household detergent does not contain ammonia or chlorine. Ammoniated or abrasive cleaners dull and discolor gelcoat surfaces, we do not recommend them for routine maintenance. Do not use wire brushes, scouring pads, or other abrasive materials or solutions on the bottom surface of your boat because they can cause small scratch marks that will collect dirt, silt, sand, marine growth and other foreign materials.
Waxing the gelcoat surface regularly will help prevent soiling and preserve its luster. Chaparral recommends a fiberglass wax that fills the gelcoat pores. Chemicals in fiberglass wax screen out harmful ultraviolet rays that cause fading of the gelcoat color.
Always remember to keep the hull bottom of your boat clean. Check it regularly for any signs of excessive wear or damage and make needed repairs to the hull as soon as possible. Accumulation of natural coatings from water and marine growth can create drag and limit the efficiency of your boat.
A clean boat is a happy boat. Proper care and maintenance will not only keep your boat running in tip-top shape, but it’ll also extend its overall life. For specific instructions to your model, consult your owners manual or dealer for more questions.
Chaparral has been building quality family boats since 1965. Founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Chaparral has called Nashville, Georgia home since 1976. Encompassing over 1 million square feet of manufacturing facilities, we are one of South Georgia’s largest employers with a full time roster of over 800 employees. Building high quality boats is still a process completed by hand by skilled craftsmen. At Chaparral, many of our builders are second or third generation boat builders that take personal pride in every boat they build.
