Boating & Yacht Blog

When you’re out on the river in your boat, you want to be able to look through crystal-clear windows and see the sparkling water and beautiful natural scenery. But if you have plastic windows, they’ll eventually become cloudy and lose their luster, obscuring your view of the boundless waters and landscape.

Most boat windows are made of one of two types of plastic: acrylic and vinyl. Acrylic windows need to be cleaned with gentle products to avoid wearing them down. Vinyl windows tend to become cloudy as they’re exposed to the sun, which causes the plasticizers on their surface to evaporate. Regular cleaning helps to reduce the damage associated with this evaporation.

Plastic doesn’t behave like glass, and it can be easily scratched and damaged if you use the wrong products or cleaning technique. When it’s time to clean your windows, follow these steps on how to clean vinyl or acrylic windows on a boat.

How to Clean Boat Windows Without Scratches?

Boat window cleaning is a relatively simple process that requires only a few supplies. You’ll need two buckets (one for soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing), soft, absorbent cloths, and a boat vinyl window cleaner.

Step-1: Use the Right Cleaning Solution

Harsh cleaners like ammonia, alcohol, and bleach should never be used to clean plastic boat windows. They react with the plastic and cause it to break down, resulting in irreversible damage. 

You can use a mild, non-detergent soap, which is a soap that does not contain any synthetic compounds that will react with the plastic. To err on the side of caution, opt for a specially formulated boat vinyl window cleaner. Marine cleaners for plastic windows work for both vinyl and acrylic windows, and they also contain UV protectants to prevent yellowing from UV damage.

Step-2: Pre-Clean the Windows

To start the cleaning process, rinse your windows down to get rid of dirt and debris. If you skip this and start wiping your window while there’s still dirt on it, you could end up seriously scratching the plastic. So rinse your windows a few times to soften or remove as much dirt as you can to reduce the amount of scrubbing needed later.

Step-3: Clean the Windows With the Proper Tools

When you’re done rinsing the windows, grab a soft cloth and fill a bucket with your boat window cleaning solution. Dip the cloth into the solution, wring it out, and wipe the first window in left-to-right motions. Don’t re-wipe an area you’ve already cleaned to avoid tracking dirt back across the window and scratching it. 

Rinse out your cloth and repeat until the window is clean. Then, get a new, clean cloth, dip it into a bucket of clean, warm water, and wipe the window to remove any remaining soap residue.

Repeat this process for all of your boat windows. For top-notch boat windshield cleaning, replace your used cleaning solution with fresh water and boat window cleaner often so you don’t track dirt from window to window.

Step-4: Remove Any Remaining Water Marks or Streaks

If there are water marks or streaks on your windows after cleaning them, you can remove them with a mixture of 90% water and 10% vinegar.

Use a clean cloth to apply this mixture and gently wipe away the water marks.

FAQs

1) How often should I clean plastic boat windows?

To reduce the amount of rinsing and wiping you have to do next time you clean your windows, clean them with mild soap and a soft cloth once a week.

To protect your windows from wear, apply a special boat window cleaner, like the ones mentioned above, every four to six weeks. Boat window cleaners with protectants keep your windows clean longer while also safeguarding them from UV damage.

2) How do I remove scratches from plastic boat windows?

If you haven’t cleaned your boat windows in a long time and you notice yellow markings and many tiny scratches, the windows need to be polished. You’ll need an electric polisher, polishing pads, a very fine polishing compound, and a soft cloth.

First, you should remove the windows and lay them on a flat surface. Then, use a clean cloth to apply the polishing compound to the window. Because plastic windows scratch easily, you’ll need to use a very fine-grit polishing compound.

Use your polisher to apply light pressure at a low speed. If your polisher is set too high, you risk melting the plastic.

Make sure to always keep the pad moving. Once you’re done, just pop your windows back in and they should look much better.

3) How do I clean glass boat windows?

Since glass behaves very differently than plastic, you’ll want to use a boat glass cleaner to clean glass surfaces on your boat. But similar to the plastic boat window cleaning process, you should use two cloths to clean glass. Spray the glass cleaner and wipe away dirt and grime with the first cloth. Then buff away streaks with the second cloth.

Make Your Boat Windows Sparkle With CleanTools

Whether your boat has acrylic, vinyl, or glass windows, a specialized cleaning solution and a soft cloth are really all you need to bring the luster back to your boat windows. Once you’ve rinsed off as much dirt as possible, a soft cloth will help you apply the cleaner, remove grime, and protect your windows, all without scratching them. When you choose The Boat Lover’s Towel, you’ll be back on the water enjoying those beautiful views before you know it.

Non-skid boat decks are intended to improve your footing and reduce slips, falls, and injuries. Not cleaning non-skid surfaces regularly decreases their effectiveness, and caked-on dirt and grime can wear down the surface prematurely as foot traffic grinds it into your deck, causing abrasions.

Cleaning a non-skid boat deck is fairly straightforward, but there are still some things you should know to avoid creating a mess or being left with a splotchy finish on your deck. Here you can find tips on how to clean your boat’s deck as well as answers to common questions from boat owners about deck maintenance, how to clean boat floors, and what could be the best ways to clean non-skid boat decks.

How to Clean Non-Skid Boat Deck:

If you’re wondering how often you should clean your boat’s deck, it depends on how often you use it. It’s best to clean it after every few outings or when it starts looking dirty. 

For the cleaning process, you’ll need a soft-bristled brush, a non-skid boat deck cleaner, two buckets, fresh water, a cloth or towel, and a hose or sprayer.

Vacuum the Deck

To avoid a slurry of wet dirt, first vacuum your boat’s deck to remove loose or bulky dirt and dust buildup before you apply your cleaning solution. 

Prepare a Cleaning Solution & Wet the Deck

Mix a non-skid deck cleaner with warm water in a large bucket according to the instructions on the cleaner. Then wet your boat’s deck with fresh water to loosen the dirt and grime trapped in its non-skid surface.

Scrub the Deck

Use a soft-bristled brush and the cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains from your boat’s deck without scratching it. 

Rinse the Deck

Fill a new bucket with fresh, clean water to rinse off the dirt residue and remaining cleaning solution. You can also use a sprayer to push the cleaner and dirt out of the deck. Make sure to rinse the entire deck thoroughly so you don’t leave behind dirt or streaks of cleaning solution.

Dry the Deck

Completely dry your boat’s deck with an absorbent towel to prevent moisture-related issues like mold and mildew and to ensure a clean finish.

FAQs

What is Non-Skid Deck Wax?

Non-skid deck wax is designed for use on the textured surface of a non-skid boat deck. It contains stain-resistant ingredients and UV inhibitors to protect your deck from corrosion, oxidation, water spots, and sun damage without making it slippery.

Waxing your boat’s deck creates a barrier between it and dirt, debris, fish products, and everything else it comes into contact with. When it’s time to clean the deck, these materials will be much easier to clean off of a waxed surface because they have not become ground into the texture of the non-skid deck.

How Do I Wax a Non-Skid Boat Deck?

You should wax your boat’s deck yearly to protect it and maintain its finish. For the waxing process, you’ll need non-skid boat wax, a buffing machine, and a soft cloth.

1. Apply the Wax: After washing and drying your boat deck, apply the non-skid wax directly in circular sections. Be careful not to use too much wax, as it will get messy.
2. Buff the Wax: Use a buff pad or a buffing machine to rub the wax into the desk in circular motions. Buffing tools spread the wax evenly without streaks and create a glossy sheen that makes your deck look new. Place the buffer head on the surface of your deck before turning it on so it doesn’t sling the wax everywhere. Move your buffing tool in a side-to-side, overlapping pattern. Repeat this motion slowly until the wax has almost disappeared.
3. Wipe Away Excess Wax: Remove excess wax with a soft cloth to avoid developing stains from too much wax in one area. This will also keep the deck from looking blotchy.

How Do I Remove Oxidation from a Non-Skid Boat Deck?

Cleaning and waxing won’t get rid of dull areas from oxidation on your boat. For heavy oxidation, you'll need to use an electric polisher like a Makita and follow it up with a boat polishing compound. For lighter oxidation, you can use a boat polishing compound. Use medium-cut compounds for fading and staining and light-cut compounds for cleaning.

How Do I Clean a Fiberglass Boat Deck?

Fiberglass boat decks can be cleaned with a non-skid boat cleaner according to the above steps. Non-skid boat cleaners can also be used to clean smooth, non-textured surfaces on your boat, including fiberglass, metal, plastic, vinyl, and rubber.

How Do I Remove Stains from a Fiberglass Boat Deck?

For stubborn stains on a fiberglass boat, apply a medium-cut boat polishing compound—formulated for fiberglass surfaces—with an electric polisher. 

Keep Your Non-Skid Boat Deck in Top Condition With CleanTools

Pontoon boats, which are great for cruising on smaller lakes, are exposed to lots of dirt, like algae, moss, and other forms of “lake scum,” which can make them look less than perfect. When this happens, proud pontoon owners will probably want to know how to clean and polish pontoons, including their tubes and rails.

Almost all pontoon boats ride on floats made of aluminum, and cleaning and polishing aluminum pontoons takes only a few hours and five simple steps.

Here’s how to clean and polish pontoons and clean and polish pontoon tubes and rails.

1) Prepare Your Pontoon Boat

Before you start polishing an aluminum pontoon boat, you’ll have to clean off all the old buildup. If you leave your boat docked or at the marina for long periods of time, there may be algae, salt buildup, and other grease on it. If so, may need to pressure wash it or use boat de-salt concentrate. 

Spray on a boat cleaner and wipe it as you spray. If there’s no visible buildup, you can pressure wash the dirt and grime for a quicker prep time.

To find out how to clean pontoons on a trailer, you’ll need to figure out how to lift the pontoons off the trailer bunks. You should carefully research how to do this because doing it incorrectly can be very dangerous. Once you’ve followed this cleaning process, you should hose down your trailer as well to avoid putting dirt back on your freshly washed pontoon. Make sure to carefully clean the pontoons on the trailer.

2) Apply Boat Cleaner

If you want your polish job to last longer, you should clean your pontoon before you polish it. Boat cleaner removes toxins and buildup that you can’t see. 

To make applying the cleaner easier, you can get a one-gallon sprayer. Work in sections so the cleaner doesn’t dry up and leave deposits behind—a wash mitt can make this a more efficient process. Then thoroughly spray off the boat cleaner using a hose or pressure washer. Rub as you spray the water to ensure that all cleaner is removed, and make sure your pontoon is completely dry before you move on to polishing. 

This is a great time to use a highly absorbent drying cloth like the Boat Lover’s Towel.

If you’re wondering how to clean pontoons that are in the water, you should use simply a cleaning brush to scrub off algae and rings around your boat, and avoid using cleaning products until you are back on land.

3) Apply Boat Polish and Buff

For a mirror finish, you need to polish and buff your pontoon boat. Bigger boats may need an electric polisher like a Dewalt or Makita. Make sure to polish in circular motions for the best application.

You can use a polishing pad or cloth for smaller boats. Wipe the polish in circular motions or an “S” pattern, as rubbing up and down can leave marks. The entire process should take about two hours.

4) Apply Boat Cleaner Again

When deciding how to clean aluminum pontoons to make them sparkle, you should apply boat cleaner twice. If you don’t use cleaner after you polish and buff, there may be polishing residue left on the surface, which will show once you apply a metal protectant like Shark Hide.

So, just like step four, work in sections with your boat cleaner, and thoroughly rinse and dry your boat to make sure it will look great when you complete the last step of the cleaning and polishing process.

5) Apply Shark Hide

The last, and arguably most important step, is to apply a metal and aluminum protectant like Shark Hide. This will seal in your polishing job, and it protects your boat from UV rays, saltwater damage, algae, and more. You’ll be able to see your pontoon shine from all the way under the water. Now it’s time to congratulate yourself, you have learned how to clean aluminum pontoons.

How to Clean Pontoons in the Water?

• Firstly, start with cleaning your pontoon boat with fresh water.
• Use soap only when you find a stubborn dirt spot.

How to Clean Pontoon Tubes?

• Use simple fresh water.
• Some soap solutions may disrupt the oxidative layer of aluminum.

Make Your Pontoon Boat Sparkle With CleanTools

Plexiglass is a popular material used for boat windows and other surfaces. However, over time, scratches can mar its appearance and—even worse—hinder your visibility. Luckily, we have composed a step-by-step guide to getting those unsightly scratches out of your boat’s plexiglass.

Keep reading to learn about how to remove plexiglass imperfections from your boat and set sail without any scratches in your way.

Whether you’re new to boating or are a seasoned seafarer, it’s easy to make mistakes. Most boating mistakes happen when boaters are in a hurry—and such simple mishaps can lead to big problems. 

Avoid the worst by preparing for the best-case scenario. Check out the seven most common mistakes you should avoid on and off the water.

The 7 Boating Mistakes You Should Never Make

Everyone makes mistakes, but you should make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to avoid these common boating errors.

1) Forgetting To Check the Marine Weather Forecast

You should make it a habit to always check the weather forecast before each voyage. Otherwise, you run the risk of sailing straight into high winds, rough seas, or dangerous storms. 

2) Failure To Install the Boat Drain Plug Before Launch

Installing the boat drain plug is one of the most basic practices in boating—yet many forget this important step. Failing to install your drain plug can result in a boat full of water, so remember to ensure it’s in your vessel before each voyage.

3) Failing To Keep Up With Regular Maintenance

Your boat is a lot like your car. It needs regular maintenance, just like any other motor vehicle or vessel out there. Create a regular maintenance plan and stick to it to avoid any surprises on the water.

4) Overloading the Boat

Overloading a boat is more common with smaller boats than with large yachts. Make sure you know what your boat’s weight capacity is before loading and launching—and don’t overload it with passengers, coolers, or unnecessary items.

5) Running Aground

Running your boat around is dangerous and can cause some serious damage to your investment. Running aground happens when there’s no longer sufficient water to float your boat. Instead, your boat may scrape along sand and rocks. Avoid this issue with a depth finder.

6) Not Putting Out Enough Anchor Line

If you’re catching yourself drifting after you’ve put out the anchor line, then you probably haven’t put enough line into the water. Boats that aren’t properly anchored can drift ashore, into a neighboring boat, or even out to sea. 

Make sure you’re putting out an anchor line that’s between five and seven times as deep as the water you’re in.

7) Getting Lost at Night

Getting lost at sea is scary—but it can be terrifying at night. When the sun goes down, it becomes much harder to identify the shoreline. To avoid this, only go out in sufficient daylight and head back to the shore before dusk. 

You should also use a chart and a marine VHF radio to signal the Coast Guard if you become lost.

Prep For Your Next Voyage With Boat Lover’s Towel

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule is important. So is regular cleaning. Make sure your boat is looking its best before every launch with the products boaters trust. Boat Lover’s Towel offers a wide collection of drying products and cleaning products to keep your ship in tip-top shape.

Is your boat looking a little grimy? Make it seaworthy with three essential boat cleaning supplies every boater needs in their toolbox. 

If you own a boat, then you should know how to clean it. Slacking on a regular cleaning routine can cause your boat to become dirty and downright disgusting. Combat mold, mildew, and all of that sea grime with three essential cleaning products from Boat Lover’s Towel.

Spring isn’t just in the air—it’s in the water, too. Now that everything is thawing out, it’s time to stretch your sea legs and get your boat back in action. But before you launch your vessel on its first voyage of the new year, there are a few crucial steps before you get your boat ready for the spring, that you should cross off your spring maintenance checklist.

Maintain The Nuts and Bolts

Your boat’s mechanics are what propels it through the water, so it’s crucial to keep your mechanical parts in check. If you are mechanically inclined, then checking your vessel’s mechanical parts should be a breeze. If not, you can always hire a professional to take a peek. 

Here are a few important components you should test and check before setting sail:

• Check the battery and wire connections
• Check the steering and shifting
• Reinstall the propeller
• Test the bilge pump
• Check the seacocks
• Replace zincs

You should also check your coolant level, hoses, and oil pressure before starting your boat up from its winter slumber. Regardless of whether or not you hire a mechanic, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with your boat’s moving parts in case of an emergency.

Check Your Cabin Essentials

Now it’s time to venture into the cabin. When you’re not enjoying the sunshine reeling in a big catch, you’re most likely spending time in your cabin. You should always keep your cabin clean and free from any excess moisture. 

Ensure that you have:

• Plenty of lifejackets onboard
• Checked all switches and appliances
• Checked your faucets and showers
• Stocked adequate food

This is also a good time to load up your towels and linens. Remember to stow away an ultra-absorbent towel for the ride to wipe away any excess water.

Don’t Forget Your Safety Gear

The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of an emergency. However, if you find yourself in this position, you should always have easy access to your safety gear. 

Take time to double-check the gear that matters the most and:

• Inspect your lifejackets
• Inspect the dock and anchor line
• Inspect anchors and shackles
• Check fenders and fender lines
• Check your flares

Inspect the Deck and Hull

Your deck and hull make up the majority of your boat, so it makes sense that these areas see a lot of wear and tear. Oftentimes, the deck and hull of your boat can accumulate some rust stains and other flaws such as sun damage. 

Before you launch your boat into the water, take the time to:

• Remove all rust stains
• Clean the deck vinyl
• Use a UV protectant on your vinyl

Set Sail Into Spring With the Absorber®

There’s a reason why boaters across the country don’t leave the docks without their Absorber®. This super absorbent towel is the perfect sidekick for handling moisture, spills, and splashes of any size. The Absorber® lasts for years and comes in a handy tube for easy storage on your boat or yacht. 

Set sail this spring and shop our collection of cleaning and drying products.

Your boat was built for water—but it wasn’t built to handle the bitter cold of winter. Below-freezing temperatures can do a number on your vessel, so it’s essential to winterize your boat before winter rears its ugly head.

Spring is on the way, so now is a good time to start practicing good boating habits. 

You love your boat, right? Keep it as clean as the day you took your first voyage by maintaining a sparkly clean interior. Regular cleaning will keep nasty mold, mildew, and dirt buildup at bay so you can comfortably enjoy every moment on the water. Just follow our easy step-by-step guide to achieve a spotless boat.

Stainless steel isn’t just for kitchens. That’s right—this versatile alloy can be used in plenty of different applications, including those fixtures for your boat. In fact, marine-grade stainless steel is designed to withstand harsh corrosive environments. 

Let’s dive into the ins and outs of stainless steel restoration and how marine-grade stainless can amplify the functionality of your vessel.

Boat owners know how important it is to maintain their vessel, especially if that vessel spends most of its time in the water. Annually hauling out a boat isn’t just an option for mariners—it’s expected. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the nuts and bolts of boat hauling so you can be ready for your next voyage.

Isinglass is a word you’ve probably heard within the boating world. This clear plastic glass is typically found covering the helms of large fishing boats and cruisers but is susceptible to scratching and hazing over time. 

With a little elbow grease and the right products, you can make your isinglass shine as bright as your first day on the open water.