Used Boat Maintenance: The Gelcoat
A key part of used boat maintenance is taking care of the gelcoat, which serves as the exterior's protective coating. Over time, it gets more porous and stains easier. Used boats have spent more years out on the water, which makes their gelcoats more vulnerable. Used boat owners will want to dedicate extra time to taking care of the gelcoat properly.
Keep reading for tips on gelcoat maintenance. If you have questions or want to shop used boats for sale, contact Thayer's Marine. Our dealership is based in Norwich, Connecticut, and we also serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Preventative Used Boat Maintenance
A key part of used boat maintenance is prevention. This can involve stopping issues from happening at all or minimizing their severity. This approach helps extend the lifespan of your used boat and reduce the amount of times you will need to seek out professional maintenance help.
First, wash your vessel often. This removes gunk before it can damage the gelcoat and leave stains. Remember to use gentle soap that won't strip harm the gelcoat or strip away the wax.
Next, use wash or polish regularly. This adds a protective seal to the gelcoat and approves the boat's appearance.
Removing Gelcoat Stains
Even with preventative used boat maintenance, you may end up with an unappealing gelcoat stain. Tackle it as soon as possible! The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to clean off.
Figure Out The Stain Type
Stains are often caused by two key sources. Mineral stains are caused by things such as rust and water lines. Organic stains are caused by things such as spilled drinks or bird droppings. Identify the type of stain, then choose the corresponding cleaning product.
Prep The Stained Area
Follow the usual boat washing steps on the stained area. In some cases, the soap will do the job. If the stain is remaining, break out the dedicated cleaning product.
Clean The Stain
Follow the instructions on the cleaning product, such as sticking to the recommended time to leave it on. If it's full of harsh chemicals, you may want to wear eye protection and gloves.
Tend To The Gelcoat
The stain remover is likely to also strip away some wax or polish, which is helping to protect the gelcoat. Re-apply a protective coating of wax or polish to keep the gelcoat in good condition.
For more used boat maintenance tips or to shop used boats for sale, reach out to Thayer's Marine. Our expert staff is happy to assist with anything you need. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or stop by our dealership in Norwich, Connecticut. We are also proud to serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.