Tips and Tricks for Boat Storage: Washing Your Boat

The last thing you may want to do after a long day on the water is worry about washing your boat. However, when you wash your boat, you add years to its quality and life. Check out these 10 tips and tricks for boat storage preparation:

1. Plan Ahead

Our first tip for washing your boat is to make sure you plan ahead. Making sure you set aside ample time after your day on the water will make all of the difference. If you get back to dock at a good time, you’ll have plenty of time to properly wash your boat before ending your day. There’s nothing worse than feeling rushed or not having time to clean your boat at all.

2. Fresh Water

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people do not realize the importance of cleaning your boat with fresh water. Using salt water or even a mix could make the corrosion and wear on your boat even worse. Using freshwater will ensure that the salt and grime from a day on the water washes off properly. 

3. Gentle Soaps

Using gentle soaps is another great tip for washing your boat. There are several awesome options out there. Using a gentle soap when you wash your boat will clean it properly while also preserving the paint and coating. It’s a win, win situation!

4. Waxing

While we know that waxing can be time-consuming, it is so important when considering extending the life of your boat. The good news is that waxing doesn’t have to happen every single time you wash your boat. Waxing your boat every 3-4 months is enough to help extend the life and look of its exterior.

5. Acid Based Cleaner

For really tough boat cleaning jobs, using an acid-based cleaner is best. Specifically, muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a type of hydrochloric acid that is very caustic and corrosive. This means that you must use it with caution and only on those extremely hard-to-clean spots. We highly recommend wearing a mask and gloves when using this product.

6. Interior Cleaning

When washing your boat, you can’t forget the interior! The kind of material the interior of your boat is made of will determine how you should clean it. Oftentimes, you can remove the seat covers or cushions and soak them in cool water. No matter what, make sure you’re doing whatever is best for your specific boat interior.

7. Engine Cleaning

Another part of your boat that is important to clean regularly is the engine. Your boat’s engine should be cleaned after every 100 hours of use. Doing this ensures proper upkeep and life extension for your boat’s motor.

8. Light Scrubbing

When washing your boat, it’s important to make sure that you scrub lightly. Any hard scrubbing could lead to paint and surface damage. Depending on the type of soap you’re using, you may not have to scrub much at all! 

9. Hard Water Stains

There’s nothing worse than hard water stains on your most prized possession. We have a great tip for getting them off of your boat. You can use equal parts of baking soda and white toothpaste. Apply it to the spot or spots with a soft sponge and allow it to sit for 5 minutes or so. Then, with a clean sponge, wipe away the paste and rinse with clean water. Hard water stains are no longer you and your boat’s worst enemy!

10. Portlights

Don’t forget about your portlights! Cleaning your portlights is especially important if you find yourself on the water in the early morning or at night. You definitely do not want to have foggy lights. By cleaning and polishing them, you’re sure to have clear bright lights that will keep you safe on your next boat trip.

We hope you found these tips for washing your boat helpful! At The Hideout Storage Park, we are proud to house many incredible boats. When you choose to keep your boat here, you choose safety, convenience, and the best of the best when it comes to storage. Be sure to visit our website today to learn more about how you can make The Hideout your boat’s new home.

Jorge TrevillaJorge Trevilla
20:44 25 Nov 23
Best most professional storage I have ever used. Thank you. 🥇
PaulPaul
19:16 13 Nov 23
The Hideout is the ultimate in storage not just due to their fabulous facilities but even more so when it comes to their staff. Heather in the office has been indispensable and has gone way above and beyond to help my team and my client ensure that problematic deliveries made their way to the unit without any hiccups.Paul SullivanNationwide Garage, Inc.
Stephen FerrisStephen Ferris
18:20 13 Nov 23
Want to give a great shout-out to Heather, The Hideout's Office manager: She has been a treasure beyond measure!Way above her enumerated responsibilities, Heather has unfailingly assisted in receiving packages, and even very large shipments that are to be deposited in an owner's unit when the owner is not available (Ask me how I know! ).I am having a large expanse of my unit walls covered with slatwall, and the supplier initially (unknown to anyone) delivered an incorrect color - which then had to be retrieved by the shipper - and finally had to be replaced with the correct material.Through all of this Heather was unfailingly helpful, calling to let me know of the delivery, alerting me to any issues, and generally being my eyes and ears throughout the deliveries and pickup.One could not ask for more in the way of above-and-beyond assistance: Kudos to Heather for all her help!!!Steve FerrisHideout Unit Owner
Jacqueline KatzJacqueline Katz
23:43 01 Nov 23
Great safe place to store a 5th Wheel. Service was excellent, they make it easy. We will definitely use them again.
kendall elliottkendall elliott
14:29 31 Oct 23
Rhett RobisonRhett Robison
14:32 18 Sep 23
Carey MattCarey Matt
03:42 01 Sep 23
Very friendly and helpful staff!! Heather is awesome!!
Beverly HolmesBeverly Holmes
14:23 24 Aug 23
Phyllis Fischler GrayPhyllis Fischler Gray
15:56 02 Aug 23
Hideout was a convenient place to keep my boat and trailer. No problems with access, and staff was always friendly and helpful when I had questions or needed to update information.
william drakewilliam drake
00:35 02 Aug 23
I've been storing boats rvs and trucks for over 40 years, this complex is far superior than the rest. The owner and office manager are always on hand to answer any questions or help anyway needed. They consistently go above and beyond expectations. Great job!
Shara MattShara Matt
14:17 01 Jun 23
I have to say this place just keeps getting better. I first moved here in 2016. My class c was there when Irma hit and not a single issue. My RV cover didn't even come off. I needed a place for my small class c. This was it. Very secure. I didn't worry about anything because at that time I was by the canal and if anyone got past the security gator they were lucky. (He was huge). Just recently had my travel trailer there and I didn't think customer service could have gotten any better because it's exceptional. I wouldn't use any other facility.Thank you for being there where it's needed.
Derrick WatkinsDerrick Watkins
14:08 01 Feb 23
Stored my boat at this facility for almost 2 years and have no complaints. The owner (who I've never met in person) helped me with a few setup challenges and he was extremely quick to respond. For as big of an operation, his customer service skills are A++. The only reason I am leaving the facility is to sell the boat I had in storage and upgrade to a different one. Once I have purchased my new boat, I am giving them a call to set me up with another storage space. Place has been super secure, and automated. Never an issue. Thanks guys!
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