Detailing a boat takes more than soap, water and some elbow grease. Getting the job done right involves using the correct products and techniques for every surface of your vessel.
This may take a little extra effort in the short term, but it’s essential to maintaining your boat’s longevity, performance and safety. (There’s a reason professional boat detailers charge big bucks.)
Here at Poli Glow, we’re all about providing DIY boat owners with the tools and resources they need to create professional-grade detailing results. A few simple changes can have a big impact! So take a look through our guide to make sure you’re not committing any of these common boat detailing errors.
Table of Contents
2. Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Products
3. Mistake 2: Improper Application
4. Mistake 3: Neglecting Regular Upkeep
5. Mistake 4: Ignoring Environmental Factors
6. How To Detail Your Boat Like a Pro
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Products
Visit any online boating forum and you’ll quickly come across advice on how to use common household cleaners on your boat.
Beware! These products aren’t designed for marine use and could strip away your protective gelcoat.
Your boat is an expensive investment…does it really make sense to risk damaging it with Comet and bleach?
When it comes to detailing, smart owners stick with quality marine-specific cleaners for each of the boat’s surfaces. ThePoli Glow® Boat Detailing Kit has everything you need to clean, polish and protect your craft inside and out:
- Poli Wash™ is a pH-balanced boat cleanser for washing the hull and deck
- Poli Slick Seal™ is a ceramic coating that enhances protection and shine after washing
- Poli Super Spray™ is a waterless detailer for quick touch-ups
- Poli Interior Detailer™ is for use on most interior surfaces
- Poli Leather and Vinyl Pro™ conditions and protects leather or vinyl seats
- 2 Microfiber Towels to detail, polish and buff all surfaces
When you use professional-grade products, you get a better-looking boat. Give this lineup a try and you’ll notice a difference! (Just be ready to field lots of compliments.)
Mistake 2: Improper Application
Sloppy application techniques of detailing products can result in uneven coverage, streaks and water spots. The good news is that these issues are easily fixable with a little extra work. Read the instructions below to learn how to properly wash and protect your boat.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Boat
When it comes to cleaning your boat, the key to a flawless finish is to make sure all traces of soap are promptly removed. Even a small amount of product residue left on your boat can create unsightly streaks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pour 1-2 ounces ofPoli Wash™ into a 5-gallon bucket.
- Use the water pressure from your faucet or hose to create suds.
- Wash your boat’s hull and deck with a soft cloth, the microfiberPoli-Mitt™ Applicator, or a vehicle wash brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Do not allow the product to dry on your boat.
- Once the suds have been rinsed off, it’s okay to let your boat air dry. For optimal shine, buff the surfaces dry with a microfiber cloth.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Boosting Shine
If your boat has a new or well-maintained gelcoat, enhancing shine is easy and fast:
- SprayPoli Slick Seal™ ceramic coating directly on the surface of your boat.
- Smooth it on with our320 GSM Microfiber Towel. No rubbing, no buffing, no stress!
Dealing with an older, oxidized or faded boat? No problem! Use ourDeluxe Boat Restoration Kit to get your craft back to peak condition.
Mistake 3: Neglecting Regular Upkeep
Slacking on your boat maintenance routine? We’ve all been there at least once, but you may want to move this up your priority list.
Caring for your boat on a regular schedule helps ensure you’re always ready for the next fun day on the water. It also helps you catch minor issues early before they develop into serious problems requiring professional attention.
Too many boat owners fall into a boom-and-bust cycle of boat maintenance. They spend a whole weekend scrubbing and waxing, then neglect their boat for the next few months or years.
When they finally get around to it again, the situation calls for another marathon cleaning session! This is inefficient and increases the risk of damage to your vessel. (Plus, it means the boat doesn’t look great much of the time.)
Instead, we recommend creating a regular maintenance schedule and sticking to it. The frequency of upkeep will depend on how often you use your boat and how it’s stored, but here are some general guidelines to serve as a jumping-off point.
Boat Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist
After Every Outing
✓ Sweep the deck with a soft deck brush
✓ Put away loose items, dispose of trash and secure any ropes
✓ Check your boat’s gauges to ensure proper engine function
✓ Check the engine oil and refill as needed
✓ Keep an eye on the condition of the hull, upholstery and deck
✓ Rinse your boat’s exterior with a hose (especially if you were boating in saltwater)
✓ Flush your engine with fresh water (especially if you were boating in saltwater)
✓ Quickly remove dust, light grime, fingerprints and other debris withPoli Super Spray™ streak-free waterless boat wash
✓ Spot-clean your boat’s interior surfaces and add UV protection withPoli Interior Detailer™
Monthly
✓ Haul your boat onto a trailer to clean below the waterline
✓ Wash your hull and deck with Poli Wash™ pH-balanced boat soap
Every 3 Months
✓ Apply Poli Slick Seal™ spray-on ceramic coating for extra protection and mirror-like shine
✓ UsePoli Leather & Vinyl Pro™ to clean and condition your boat seats
✓ Inspect your hull for signs of damage, such as cracks or scratches
Yearly
✓ Deep clean every surface of your boat (ideally before winter storage)
✓Inspect your gelcoat for damage or oxidation. If you find oxidation,consider removing the oxidation and restoring your gelcoat.
✓ Review your life jackets and other safety gear to make sure everything is in good condition
✓ Schedule a full inspection with a pro (or do the job yourself) and make repairs as needed
Mistake 4: Ignoring Environmental Factors
Boats are designed for outdoor use… but sun, saltwater, moisture and temperature extremes still take a toll over time. Without the right protection, even the nicest boat will end up looking dull, faded, and weather-beaten.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to shield your boat from damage.
- Poli Glow® coating is an excellent choice to restore your boat’s high-gloss protective finish. It repels water and UV rays to prevent wear and tear on your boat. Don’t forget to maintain your restoration job with an annual touch-up
- After every boat wash, apply Poli Slick Seal™ ceramic coating with UV inhibitors. This helps your Poli Glow® coating last even longer and gives you added protection against staining and water damage.
- For boat interiors, we love using Poli Interior Detailer™ with UV scavengers. (Are you sensing a theme here? Sun exposure is one of the biggest sources of environmental damage to boats. Your boat needs sunscreen too!)
How To Detail Your Boat Like a Pro
There’s a tremendous sense of pride that comes with owning an attractive, well-maintained boat. With the right cleaning and maintenance routines, your boat will look and perform better for many years to come.
Unfortunately, a quick glance around your local marina will reveal that many owners don’t detail their boats correctly. Some of the most common errors we see include skipping the pre-cleaning prep, using low-quality cleaners like dish soap, cleaning infrequently and not applying the right protective coatings.
The reason why professional boat detailers get better results than amateurs is that they use the right products, with the right frequency, and the right application techniques. Poli Glow® makes this easy with a full line of marine-specific products to clean, polish and protect every part of your boat.
Stock up on boat detailing essentials here to make your craft sparkle and shine!
