Don’t forget your boat

Boat Master 2

Boat Master is a new range of kits and products for the cleaning, treatment and maintenance of all furniture used on boats. Specially formulated by the Research Centre of Uniters S.p.A, the same company behind Leather Master Leather Care Products, has years of experience in researching, developing and manufacturing top quality products for a multitude of uses.

The Boat Master range includes special products for cleaning and protecting leather, leatherette, cloth, microfibre textiles, teak and fiberglass.

Boat Master products have been researched and developed by Dr. Tork and are formulated according to the latest principles. Though technically advanced, these water-based products are all simple to use.

You can use Boat Master products to clean and protect all parts and fittings on your boat, keeping your teak decks, leatherette, leather and cloth seats and cloth awnings looking new and protected.

Get yours now at Autogeek

Waxing a Boat

Step Three in our Series, Boat Care 101: Waxing a Boat

See Step One: Washing a Boat

See Step Two: Polishing a Boat

Boat Wax

Waxing your boat is essential to maintaining the color, shine, and integrity of a gel coat finish. Marine waxes are very durable in order to stand up salt water, algae, and the sun. Boat wax also makes regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for grime to stick to waxed surfaces. To prevent oxidation and fading, boat wax is a must.

Collinite Fiberglass Boat Wax #925 is proven to stand up to harsh environments. It withstands scrubbing, scuffing, detergents, salt water and marine organisms all year long. Collinite is a favorite among boat owners.

Nautical Liquid Glass Polish/Finish is an ultra-durable choice for boat protection. Nautical Liquid Glass Polish/Finish creates a hard, glassy finish that will not crack, chip, peel, or turn yellow. Apply Liquid Glass every 6-12 months to maintain the optimum level of protection, especially with frequent salt water boating.

Again, an orbital polisher is going to be a huge asset when waxing a boat. Spread on the wax evenly with a soft foam buffing pad. You can then use a microfiber bonnet on the polisher to buff off the wax.

Polish and Wax In One

Because detailing a boat is a big job, many manufacturers have combined the polishing and protecting steps into single-step products. By tackling two jobs at once, you’ll save time and still get fantastic results.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #50 Marine/RV Cleaner Wax is a great choice for restoring the color and shine to fiberglass.

3M makes two cleaner wax options: 3M Marine Restorer & Wax is designed for boats with heavy oxidation while 3M Marine Cleaner & Wax contains a milder polish for lightly oxidized boats.

Duragloss Marine RV Polish #501 is another great polish/sealant choice for fiberglass boats. Its protective coating reduces algae growth!

Just like with polishing, you’ll find it faster and easier to apply a marine cleaner wax with a polisher and a polishing pad.? The pay-off of one step products is that once you’re done, you’re done. Sit back and relax!

Polishing a Boat

Step Two in our Series, Boat Care 101

See Step One: Washing a Boat

Polishing a boatFiberglass gelcoat oxidizes just like automotive paint. You’ve seen that white chalk on the hull? That’s oxidation. All it takes is a good boat polish and a free afternoon to make your boat shine again.

Depending on the size of your boat, you may find it much easier to use a polisher to do the job. A high speed rotary polisher, like the FLEX LK603VVB Circular Polisher, with a wool pad is ideal for cutting gel coat oxidation. An orbital polisher, like the Porter Cable 7424XP or Cyclo Orbital Polisher, can be used for mild oxidation removal and wax application.

There are many boat polishes to choose from but your boat’s condition will help you decide on the right polish. If your boat has heavy oxidation, 3M Marine Rubbing Compound has the cutting power to restore old gelcoat that has never been polished. It will also remove stains, scratches, and scuffs. This is where your rotary polisher and wool pad will come in handy.

If your boat has a mild case of white chalk, Meguiars Mirror Glaze #45 Marine/RV Polish has all the polishing power you need to restore the color and shine to your boat. For a newer boat, this is an excellent maintenance polish to keep oxidation from ever getting out of hand.

Gelcoat is similar to automotive clear coat but even harder. That’s why it’s important to choose a boat polish designed specifically for gel coat. You’ll find it easier to get the results you want with a designated boat polish.

The end of each boating season is a good time to polish a boat. By removing oxidation and algae stains and then sealing the boat with wax, you’ll ensure that it’s ready to go next year.

In our next boat care article, we’ll focus on boat waxes.

Boat Care 101: Washing a Boat

Cleaning and protecting your boat is key to maintaining its long-term beauty and value. A few simple boat care tips will keep your boat ship-shape for many years to come.

Much like your car, a boat requires regular cleaning and waxing to keep it looking its best. Vinyl seats and covers need a waterproof protectant with strong UV blockers. Metal surfaces must be polished. Eisenglass may need polishing or sealing. With regular attention, all these jobs become relatively quick and easy. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

This article is part one of our series on Boat Care.

Washing a Boat

A boat sits in water so it doesn’t need washing, right? Wrong. Salt water and fresh water both have organisms living in them that can attach to your boat hull. Before you know it, your white boat has turned green with algae!

Regular washing keeps algae at bay. Plus, washing removes corrosive salt from sea-faring boats. Rinse down your boat with fresh water after every voyage and wash it with a boat shampoo periodically. Definitely wash your boat before storing it at the end of season. Meguiars Boat Wash and 3M Heavy Duty Hull and Deck Cleaner are two great boat wash options. A soft Natural Sea Sponge or Sheepskin Wash Mitt will make the job easy.

Removing What Washing Leaves Behind

Sometimes algae and those pesky black streaks are just too stubborn for a mild boat shampoo. You need a cleaner that’s made for tough jobs. Meguiars Black Streak Remover is formulated to remove the black streaks that result from organic matter decaying and staining the fiberglass, paint and metal.

Duragloss Marine & RV Cleaner with Mildew Buster #541 eliminates mildew and stubborn stains on vinyl, fiberglass, tile, and other non-porous surfaces. Use it topside on the railings, vinyl seats, and fiberglass. Use it below deck on counters and in the lavatory.

Amazing Roll-Off is a tried-and-true boat cleaner. It works wonders on black streaks, diesel soot, and mildew. Plus, Amazing Roll-Off leaves a protective finish that causes dirt to just roll off!?

* To prevent black streaks, store your boat in a garage or under a shelter when it’s not in use. Falling leaves, bugs, and bird droppings stain fiberglass.

* Treat any mildew stains and allow the boat’s interior to dry out thoroughly before storing the boat in the off-season, particularly if you use a boat cover or tarp.

See Step Two: Polishing a Boat.

New Products from 3M Marine

It’s boating season again and 3M has your boat care needs covered with outstanding new products. Make boat maintenance easier so you can spend more time on the water! The following boat cleaners and protectants are available at Autogeek.net just in time to prepare your boat for the summer.

3M Marine Mildew Block – 3M Mildew Block creates an invisible barrier that resists mildew and maintains the fresh, clean look of your boat.

3M Heavy Duty Hull and Deck Cleaner – 3M Heavy Duty Hull and Deck Cleaner makes boat maintenance easy with a built-in sprayer. The powerful fiberglass cleaner removes all the remnants of a day on the water, including algae, fish blood, and waterline stains.

3M Marine Restorer & Wax If 3M Marine Cleaner & Wax didn’t do the trick, step up to 3M Marine Restorer & Wax. This cleaner wax offers the same one-step performance but it has more cleaning power to remove heavy oxidation.

3M Marine Vinyl Cleaner, Conditioner & Protector – This all-in-one formula cleans and conditions vinyl while adding a layer of durable protection. Use it on interior and exterior vinyl surfaces.