Why You Need to Clean Your Boat in the Spring
Boating season is starting. Once you get your boat out of storage, how much cleaning and maintenance does it need?
Before you head out for the first time this season, you’ll need to thoroughly clean your boat this spring and do the proper boat maintenance.
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My boat was damaged by ice and snow. Does boat insurance cover it?
Before you start cleaning your boat for the spring, you may find out that ice and snow has damaged your boat.
Is your boat insured? Boat insurance policies generally cover damage caused by ice and snow, but it's necessary to understand specific coverage details and winterization requirements of your boat insurance policy. Damage from snow and ice buildup, especially when winterization is properly done, can be a covered loss.
Why you need to clean your boat in the spring
Do you really want to be out on the water in a boat that looks grimy or may have mechanical issues you aren’t aware of because you didn’t check? After winter storage, cleaning your boat not only makes it look better but it helps improve your boat’s performance. Spring maintenance checks will help ensure that your boat is ready to go out on the water.
How to clean your boat
What soap do I use?
It’s recommended to use a soap specifically made to clean boats, such as a marine boat wash. In a pinch, you could use a car-wash soap but try to avoid it. Harsh household cleaners, even dish soap, can damage a boat's gelcoat and strip wax the wax from its hull.
A lot of fibreglass boats have a gelcoat. Gelcoat is a resin-based coating that’s put on the surface of a fibreglass hull for protection and to make it look good. It gives a glossy and durable finish that protects against sun damage and other environmental factors and also gives the boat its color.
Do I need to get my boat rewaxed?
It’s recommended that you wax your boat at least once a year. Some boaters prefer to do it twice, at the beginning and end of boating season. How often your boat is waxed also depends on factors like the boat's usage, exposure to sun and water, and the type of wax used.
While you can wax your boat yourself, professional waxing tends to offer advantages like a more consistent, durable finish to protect against potential damage.
How often does my boat’s gelcoat need to be reapplied?
Boat gelcoat typically needs to be reapplied or maintained every few years to protect the underlying fiberglass and preserve its shine.
Do I need to bother cleaning my boat’s interior?
Yes, spring cleaning is recommended for the interior of your boat to remove any dust, debris, garbage, and potential mold that can accumulate while your boat was stored over the winter.
Cleaning your boat’s interior will also let you know if any squirrels or other critters have taken up residence in your boat over the winter. You’ll want to squirrel-proof your boat.
You may also decide that it’s time to wash or replace any cushions. You may need to wash and vacuum upholstery.
A clean interior helps with the overall look and enjoyment of your boat, making it a more comfortable and pleasing space when you’re out boating.
What needs to be checked?
You may be experienced and comfortable doing your own boat maintenance or you may want to get your boat professionally checked and maintained. Whatever works for you, your budget, and your abilities. Just don’t neglect spring cleaning and maintenance because your boat is an investment.
The hull
You’ll need to look for scrapes, dents, cracks, or chips. You might have missed something when you were putting your boat away for the winter. Don't forget to check the area around the drain plug for any damage.
Bilge pump(s)
The bilge pump needs to be inspected to make sure it’s properly working to prevent corrosion and flooding. A properly maintained bilge pump can extend its lifespan and save on repairs.
Oil and filters
Changing your boat's engine oil and filter in the spring is recommended to protect the engine and prevent potential problems.
Engine and gauge checks
Testing the engine and gauges is part of your spring boating maintenance because the boat has been sitting unused over winter. Remember to check the fuel line and tank and replace water separator filters.
Winches
If your boat, such as a sailboat, has winches you’ll need to clean and grease them. This helps to make sure they’re in working order and prevents rust and corrosion from building up over the winter.
What else to check?
- Your boat’s radio
- First-aid kit
- If your boat has an anchor, is it working?
- Check your boat’s lifejackets. How many do you have? Are they in good condition and the appropriate size for your passengers?
The logic of everything worked fine last fall when you put your boat away may simply not apply in the spring.
Do you have boat insurance?
Even though boat insurance isn’t required in Canada, it protects your investment in your boat.
Boat insurance protects your boat, its motor, and boating accessories such as lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, among many other items.
Boat insurance protects you financially if you injure or cause the death of someone or cause damage to another person’s boat or property while you’re operating your boat. It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage. It helps cover such things as legal fees and medical bills, which can add up quickly.
Boat insurance typically covers the cost of replacing any personal items that are damaged, lost during a boat outing, or while the boat is stored or parked and not in use.
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