How to clean your boat after salt water trips

Ahhhh…fishing. We all love it.

There’s a lot to catch here in Tampa. And, when you set sail for a day on the water, you anticipate hours of enjoyment, fishing, and…..hopefully catching some fish too!

But when you return to the docks or put your boat on the trailer, you're faced with a boat in need of a good clean.

If you were lucky fishing, maybe there are some ‘fish bits’ scattered around the boat. Certainly there is salt and dirt and other things that make your boat look not so nice.

So, here are some quick tips on how to clean a boat after fishing so you can help keep your vessel shipshape.

How to clean your boat after a day of fishing in the Gulf, on rivers or in lakes around Tampa Bay.

Always prioritize cleaning your boat as soon as possible after your saltwater excursions. Salt buildup can wreak havoc on surfaces and corrode engine components.

Follow these steps each time you return to shore:

1. Begin With a Thorough Rinse: Start by giving your boat a thorough rinse with fresh water from bow to stern. Don't forget to rinse the engine, and follow up with a product designed to flush saltwater from boat engines.
2. Clean in Sections: Using a quality boat soap, clean the exterior of your boat in sections, working from top to bottom. Rinse well with fresh water to remove any soap residue. To prevent water spots on the gelcoat, use a chamois or squeegee to remove excess water.
3. Detail the Boat Interiors: Salt can wreak havoc on interiors, so give everything a good wipe down. Use a protective vinyl cleaner on seat cushions, plastic surfaces, and fiberglass. Polish windows and instrument panels with microfiber mitts to keep them looking fresh.
4. Clean and Inspect Floors: Vacuum carpeted floors and scrub wooden flooring with a stiff brush. Keep an eye out for tears in carpets or damage to flooring, as small problems can quickly escalate into costly repairs.
5. Wax and Polish the Hull: Complete this final step two or three times each season. Applying wax creates a protective barrier on the gelcoat, making it easier to clean your boat after each outing and providing added protection against the harsh Florida sun.

Look – we know cleaning a boat after fishing here in Tampa can be a real chore. That’s why so many people call us to book a cleaning or detailing job. It’s also why some people join our Captain’s Club – they want to keep their boats looking great all the time.

Feel free to call us today!