Boat Detailing
Protect your gelcoat, restore the shine and extend the life of your boat.
Detailing & Gelcoat Care
One of the most important parts of boat maintenance is the protection and proper care of the gelcoat. Think of it as the clear coat on a car’s paint: in addition to giving the boat a shiny luster, it acts as a protective barrier between your hull and water, sunlight, wind, dirt and more. Proper gelcoat maintenance increases the durability of this all-important layer, which can last up to two decades.
Gelcoat is an epoxy or polyester resin that protects the fiberglass hull, which can weaken due to water intrusion.
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Gelcoat Care Tips
Gelcoat is designed to be UV-resistant, but because it wards off every threat to your boat’s finish and hull, it can weaken over time and become dull and oxidized — ruining the boat’s appearance and exposing the hull to damage.
Use only fiberglass cleaners on your boat
Many people reach for ordinary household cleaners, but that’s a big no. They contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia that remove tough stains but scratch and damage the gelcoat in the process. Damaged gelcoat oxidizes faster, leaving the hull vulnerable. Use a reliable fiberglass cleaning product instead — or steam clean the boat, which removes dirt and grime from the hull more effectively than any cleaner.
Polish the gelcoat
Polishing comes before waxing because it prepares the surface. It smooths the gelcoat by removing dust, dirt, scratches and other imperfections that cleaners won’t take care of. That smooth, glossy surface is what gets protected by wax or sealant — and the gloss reflects UV rays away from the boat, resulting in less damage.
Apply a good gelcoat wax or polymer sealant
Choose a wax or sealant made specifically for marine gelcoat. Unless the product says it’s safe for both cars and boats, don’t use it on your boat. Natural carnauba wax gives a better shine, while a synthetic polymer sealant lasts longer. Use a restorer formula if your gelcoat is heavily oxidized.
Make sure the hull is fully clean first
Gelcoat is very porous, and those pores fill with contaminants such as dust, dirt, grime, oil and salt. Waxing a hull that isn’t properly cleaned traps those contaminants and accelerates oxidation.
Cover the boat or keep it in a boathouse
Keep that shiny appearance longer by protecting the boat from UV rays and the elements when it’s not in use — use a boat cover or tarp, or store it in a boathouse.
Proper gelcoat care is key to maintaining the appearance and extending the lifespan of your boat — and you don’t want algae eating away at your hull and slowing you down on the water.
A good cleaning is advised after every boating season. Whether you store your boat at an indoor facility or at home, a good acid wash is needed after the season — and if you boat year-round, whenever the hull needs it. Happy boating!
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