How to keep your boat clean

Saltwater is harsh on boats and will cause corrosion and damage over time if left untreated, so it is crucial that you wash your boat after each use. A lot of us don’t feel like it or maybe don’t have the time once we’re back home with the boat on the trailer, but it’s so important and will save you money in the long run – both in terms of resale value and maintenance costs.

Fortunately, there is a quick and easy fix that even the time-poor can utilise in a few minutes. A dedicated salt-removing solution is the best product to use, along with a soft brush or sponge. Something like Salt Shift’s Marine Salt Wash works well.

This removes all salt, limescale and hard water spots in just 30 seconds. It also has corrosion inhibitors built into the product, which offer corrosion protection while polishing and restoring shine at the same time.

The motor is of course the key to how your boat performs. Without that in good working order, you're toast. So, keeping your motor tip-top should be your number one priority.

Always flush your motor with fresh water after each use. You should inspect and clean your motor on a regular basis and in particular pay attention to the water intakes, as they can become blocked easily with salt and debris.

A marine flush solution is available for outboards and PWCs. Simply add 50 to 100ml of the engine flush into the supplied canister which then attaches to your garden hose, and then onto your flush connection.

The product removes salt and calcium within 30 seconds and is an easy way to keep your engine healthier for longer.

The rear of your boat often becomes stuck with debris and dirt, so it’s a good idea to clean this area regularly to prevent any build-up. You can use a sponge or pump to help remove excess water before cleaning the bilge.

Then apply a biodegradable cleaner such as Salt Shift’s Heavy Duty Degreaser to bilge areas to break down oil and grease.

Your boat’s interior deserves just as much attention as the exterior. During a day’s outing, your boat’s interior can be exposed to harsh sunlight, salt and moisture, which can in turn cause damage to surfaces, upholstery and electronics.

Regular cleaning of the inside of your boat will prolong the life of all of these and with a small amount of attention, you can keep your boat looking brand new.

Wipe down boat seats and allow them to dry fully before storing your boat. It’s a good idea to clean your navigation gear along with your electronics, and you can do this by using a soft cloth to remove salt residue.

Salt Shift offers a variety of marine detailing kits including its Marine Vinyl Protectant, which shields against UV damage, stains and mildew, helping your seats and upholstery to look their best.

In Australia, there are strict rules in place to protect our marine environment, including those around cleaning boats. Make sure you follow the regulations such as cleaning your boat in a designated area and avoid the use of harmful chemicals.

There are several boat cleaning stations set up along the coast where you can correctly dispose of waste and not harm our ecosystem.

And when the job’s done, you can relax in the knowledge your boat will stay looking good and operating as it should for years to come.