You may think that changes in weather indicate the end of the boating season—it does not. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Cooler temperatures and fewer vessels on the water create an ideal atmosphere for boat enthusiasts to hit the water with their glistening crafts. 

Crisp air and gorgeous fall hues make sailing the open waters much more fun than doing so on sweltering hot days. The fall season does, however, indicate shorter days and ice-cold water. To help you stay prepared, let’s discuss everything you need to know about boating in the fall. 

Things to Do in the Fall on a Boat

If you’re new to boating, or typically boat only in the summer months, you’re in for a treat. There are so many fun activities to do on your craft in the fall. 

Stern-gating is the younger, more adventurous sibling of tail-gating. Instead of driving to a crowded parking lot, invite your friends and other boat enthusiasts for an afternoon of food and fun on your boat. Though you can stern-gate anywhere, it’s definitely more fun when your favorite baseball and football team’s stadium is near the water. 

There’s nothing like a festival to put you in the mood for all things fall. Pack up your boat and travel down the river to your town’s local fall festival or state fair. 

It’ll be chilly on the water, so grab a hot cup of your favorite pumpkin spice beverage and get your cruise on. If you do plan to travel your city by boat, be sure the waterways have proper boat accommodations and facilities. 

Who says you need a campground to experience the peace and serenity of nature? One of the best activities boat owners can do is go boat-camping. Find a quiet place to cruise, pitch a tent on the deck, and anchor out. 

With boat camping, you can avoid crowded campsites, bond with friends and family, and have a new experience. Don’t miss out on the smores! Prep them beforehand and pop them in a convection oven for ooey-gooey goodness. 

Fall Boating Tips

When fall boating, keep your friends and family safe with the following recommendations.

1. Wear a PFD. If you plan on entering the water, always wear a personal flotation device. Doing so protects you from the shock of cold water.  
2. Mind the weather. Autumn weather is dangerously unpredictable, especially on a boat. Before you go boating, check the day’s weather and prepare for wind, heavy rain, and storms. 
3. Communicate. Before your excursion, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Do this every time you boat, not just in the fall.  
4. Turn on the lights. When boating in the fall, lights are always your friend. Make sure you have navigational lighting that works, as well as waterproof flashlights and headlamps. 
5. Clean your vessel. After every adventure, be sure to rinse your boat and dry thoroughly with a PVA towel like the Absorber® XL. With this efficient tool, you can spend less time drying your boat and more time enjoying life.

Don’t Forget About Fall Boat Maintenance

Every boat enthusiast knows how important it is to keep a boat in optimal condition. With scorching temperatures and unrelenting sunshine, your vessel needs adequate protection from the sun. Don’t fret just yet. A major component of sun-protective boat care requires little to no effort on your part! Sound too good to be true? It’s not. 

If you’re not sure how to protect your boat from the sun, stick around and we’ll show you exactly how it’s done. 

Areas of Your Boat That Can Be Damaged by the Sun 

 Most boat owners only consider protection for the exterior of their boats. This is a major no-no. Sun damage impacts potentially every aspect of your craft:

• Dulls Gelcoat
• Cracks exterior surface
• Damages vinyl seats
• Wears internal components

If you’re in an area that reaches extreme temperatures, do your best to keep your boat protected from the elements. Repairing or replacing your boat’s damaged components can be time-consuming and costly. 

How To Protect Your Boat’s Finish From Sun Rays

Want to know the most popular way boat owners protect their vessel’s finish from the sun? You guessed it—boat wax. Boat wax helps the Gelcoat or exterior surface stay intact. It also makes your vessel sparkle like new. 

Search for the type of wax that gives your boat the protection and glossy finish you’re looking for and apply as needed. When your boat has a nice, even finish post-adventure cleaning is easy-peasy. Use a high-quality PVA cloth like The Absorber® to remove grime and dirt that may have been attached during your outing. The Absorber® dries surfaces in a fraction of the time but with twice as much care. 

How To Protect Boat Seats From Sun Rays

 Although wax is a major key to UV ray boat protection, your vessel needs more. We’re not saying don’t wax your boat. In fact, it’s just the opposite: wax your craft with the finest possible solution.  But when your boat is docked, keep it in a covered area. 

No Shade? No Problem

As a general rule, we recommend full-body boat covers. They come in all sizes, styles, and shapes to accommodate a series of vessels. 

Full-Body Cover Prevents

• Mold
• Dirt
• Animals
• UV rays
• Rain 

If your boat is stored indoors or under a shade, consider using marine upholstery protectant to prevent seats from fading and wearing down.

Don’t Forget—Protect Yourself From UV Exposure

A boat isn’t the only thing that should be protected from UV rays. When the temperatures soar, be sure to protect yourself and your loved ones from overexposure to the sun’s rays. 

Excessive sun may cause:

• Painful sunburns
• Cataracts
• Premature aging
• Skin cancer

To help prevent these conditions when boating, we’ve listed a few tips to keep you having fun:

• Apply sunscreen
• Wear sunglasses
• Sit in the shade when possible
• Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Bring a bucket or wide-brimmed hat
• Check UV index
• Avoid boating in high altitude

Don’t Forget to Wipe Your Boat Down!

After a long day out in the sun, boat maintenance isn’t exactly what you want to do. Trust us, we’ve been there. However, it helps ensure your craft is ready for the next adventure. Keep a durable, yet soft cloth made with PVA material like  The Absorber® stored on deck. It’s a must-have tool for every boat owner. Not only does  The Absorber® thoroughly dry every surface of your boat with care, but it’s also machine washable! Just toss it in the wash after using.  The Absorber® makes daunting boat maintenance a breeze. 

Owning a boat is easy. Maintaining a boat is not. However, boat ownership is worth it.

If you’ve been a bit lax when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, we’re here to help. Our vessel connoisseurs have put together a boat detailing checklist. This guide to vessel cleaning inside and out was crafted to help novice and experienced boat owners. Check out our list and see if there’s something you haven’t done in a while.

Is Boat Detailing Really Necessary? 

There’s more to boat detailing than aesthetics. While regular cleaning helps your boat look good inside and out, it also ensures functionality and longevity. When out on the water, your boat is exposed to conditions that can cause significant damage. To help boat owners maintain their crafts long-term, we’ve gathered the ultimate boat detailing checklist. 

Below, we’ll discuss everything boat owners need to know about boat washing and detailing. 

Products to Detail Your Boat

When it comes to boat cleaning and detailing, the right tools tend to make all the difference. Listed below are products every craft owner needs to have for an excellent boat inside and out. 

Essential Tools for Boat Detailing

Improve the appearance of your boat and get rid of stains and streaks with a hard water spot remover. 

Never apply household cleaners to your boat. Using high-quality cleaning solutions specifically formulated for marine vessels will protect your boat from damage.

Keep the interior carpet clean and free of dust mites with a lightweight vacuum cleaner. An attachable nozzle will extract dirt from tight spaces. 

A degreaser will effectively and efficiently eliminate grime and grease build-up in your engine bay.

You’ll need a variety of brushes with long and short handles to services the multiple areas throughout your vessel. 

Made from non-abrasive material called Poly Vinyl Alcohol,  The Absorber® is an ideal drying solution for a variety of surfaces including boats, cars, and windows. Cleanse any surface without impacting the finish. 

A spray nozzle will help you efficiently eliminate dirt and other contaminants from hard-to-reach areas.

Apply boat wax on the hull of your craft in a circular motion. This gives your boat a beautiful shine and prevents gel coat finishes from oxidation.

Top 3 Tips for Boat Detailing

1. Remove Salt Water Residue

Flush your boat engine and exterior after sailing in saltwater. Residual salt can cause components to rust and erode. 

2. Cover Your Boat

When storing your craft outdoors, long-term, or in winter months, cover with a waterproof-, tear-, and puncture-proof material to protect from animals, weather damage, and dirty contaminants. 

3. Use Environmentally-Friendly Soap

Clean the hull of your boat with a long-handle brush and biodegradable soap that removes oil and algae. 

How Often Should You Detail Your Craft?

Whether you’re personally detailing your craft, or paying for a professional service, the following factors impact the frequency and cost of boat maintenance:

• Craft type
• Craft size
• Elements
• Location
  

Maintain your vessel with a boat detailing checklist organized by frequency of tasks. 

Monthly

• Wash exterior (rinse, wash, rinse method)
• Empty waste tank
• Check bilge pump function
• Confirm fluid levels
• Coolant 
• Engine oil
• Transmission oil

Quarterly

• Wax Gelcoat 
• Replace boat zincs
• Scrub bottom of the hull

Annually

• Change fluids
• Top to bottom inspection
• Clean water tank storage
• Wash and waterproof canvas
• US Coast Guard safety check 

2 to 3 Years 

• Repaint hull
• Inspect water seals
• Balance propeller shafts
• Additional maintenance

If you’re a boater, there’s nothing better than taking your vessels out on the water. However, maintaining a boat requires regular maintenance. This not-so-enjoyable aspect of boat ownership is essential to keeping your watercraft beautiful and functional. If you’re new to boat ownership and don’t know the best way to keep it in premium condition, don’t worry. We’ve listed essential boating supplies for every owner below. 

Boating Supplies Every Owner Needs

Cleaning Supplies

Soft & Hard Brushes

The right brush will make cleaning your boat a breeze. Although you can get by with only one brush, it’s best to have at least two boat brushes. Soft brushes that protect gel coating will be your source for everyday grime. To tackle aggressive surfaces on your boat, choose a brush with strong bristles. 

Polishes & Conditioners

Polish your craft with the proper protective treatment habitually. Refinish dull-looking fiberglass and prevent oxidation with Gelcoat, polishes, or waxes. Protect the interior and exterior leather and vinyl furniture with a UV protectant product that leaves a glossy finish. 

Cleaners & Mildew Removers

To adequately maintain your boat’s cleanliness, you may need a series of cleaning solutions. Prevent your vessel’s exterior from weathering and corrosion with a restorative polish and mold and mildew remover. While multifunctional products are most popular among boaters, be sure the products you use are appropriate for the surface you’re using them on. 

Maintenance Supplies

Repair Tools

Eventually, you’ll need to make impromptu mechanical adjustments to your vessel. To prepare for this, review a few maintenance videos and have a small toolbox of boating supplies. This includes pliers, a screwdriver, and a wrench. 

The Absorber®

After making repairs, wipe down surfaces with The Absorber® multipurpose towels. With a variety of sizes, this product will effectively maintain your boat. After use, simply wash and store your Absorbers® in your maintenance and cleaning supplies for next time. 

Maintenance Checklist

Before every excursion, make sure everything on your maintenance checklist is in working condition.

• Confirm oil reservoirs are full
• Check bilge and hoses for leaks 
• Check the water coolant level
• Monitor oil pressure and voltmeters

Safety Supplies

Flotation Devices

An essential item you need to have on your boat is a flotation device. Ideally, each passenger on your vessel should have their own flotation device, which can also double as seat cushions. You’ll also want a lifesaver, life jackets, as well as flotation gear for a group of people. 

Barrels of Fuel 

Make sure you’re never stranded in the water by preparing for unforeseen boating circumstances. Keeping extra barrels of fuel will come in handy should you get lost or run out of fuel.

Flare Guns

Boaters are legally obligated to have a Coast Guard-approved signal that can be detected both night and day. In case of emergency, a flare gun or other visual distress signal will come in handy. Your boat should have at least two flare kits.

Storing Your Boat

How you store and maintain your boat will ultimately depend on your location and the vessel’s size. Weeks of inactivity or the winter months can lead to storing your boat for long periods of time. Let’s learn more about each method. 

Storage on the Water

This may be a practical solution for boaters with large vessels or de-icers that’ll protect their boats from ice buildup. Alternatively, you may want to keep your boat on the water if you plan on boating year-round. Keep in mind, year-round salt and sun exposure may damage your boat’s finish and lead to barnacles growing on the hull.

Indoor Storage

Storing boats in a garage, shed, or large indoor space will protect them from bad weather, harsh sun rays, and deterioration. This is a popular option for boaters who live in the south and are susceptible to unforgiving hurricanes. If you’re searching for a large space, consider renting a storage unit. 

Dry Stacking

If you opt for outdoor storage, your powerboat will likely be dry stacked. In this method, your boat is lifted by a crane and placed on vertical racks. Outdoor, dry-stacked storage prevents deterioration of the bottom of the boat. It’s also thought to be safe from theft or damage from vandals.

Interested in purchasing a new boat? Or maybe you were invited to go boating with a friend? It probably comes as no surprise to hear that boats on lakes, rivers, or the ocean can look and operate completely different from one another. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of each boating experience, so you know exactly what to expect.

Boats on Lakes

Usually, you’ll see ski boats, jet skis, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and other small open fishing boats on lakes. This is so they can easily be pulled in and out of the water using a trailer.

Pros

Lake boating can be laid-back when you’re fishing and riding gentle waves or exciting with the options of swimming, watersports, and other activities. Freshwater leaves no salt build-up on your boat either. It means less cleaning on your part.

Cons

A lot of people go boating on lakes. Because of this, it can be crowded—especially during seasonal boating periods. These seasons most likely occur because of the presence of ice or low water levels. Additionally, it’s harder to make use of the good times without a lakeshore property.

Boats on Rivers

Large riverboats come with a flat bottom to avoid damage in shallow areas. Small riverboats, such as kayaks, canoes, and whitewater rafts, are made to run aground so you can venture out of the vessel and explore. Some even come with motors to make getting back on the water easy afterward.

Pros

In certain areas, boats on rivers get cool boating traffic amenities to operate as land street systems do. This includes riverwalk restaurants, fuel stations, docks, and more. You may even spot local wildlife that isn’t typically witnessed in highly populated areas. The shallowness in some places means that the river can warm up and become a great spot for swimming or beginners trying out watersports.

Cons

Since rivers are smaller than lakes and oceans, the boats can’t be all that big. Not only that, but you’ll need a boat with a strong motor to overcome the river current in certain situations. River boating also requires constant vigilance as debris from the trees and other plants surrounding the edges can fall in. Your time and distance traveled on a river can be limited by the boating season or vegetation.

Boats in Oceans

When it comes to seawater, generally speaking, sailboats are your best bet. They can propel themselves to travel without constant fueling and can be manufactured to slice through harsh waves for safer travels. Keep in mind that the bigger the sailboat, the larger of a crew you’re going to need to keep it running.

Pros

Thanks to oceanic boating, you can see beautiful tropical fish and other creatures. You can also visit different terrains, such as islands, beaches, and mountains, as a way to discover new places. And lucky for all boats in the ocean, the saltwater doesn’t freeze easily, so you can go all year round.

Cons

The hardest part about taking out boats in the ocean is just how vast it is. The farther out you go, the harder it is for emergency response teams to reach you in times of trouble. Sea weather can be harsh too. Although you wouldn’t go boating during a hurricane, giant crashing waves during storms can be hazardous.

Keep Your Boat In Tip-Top Shape In Any Body of Water

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where you boat… just that you clean your boat properly afterward! Ensure your haul lasts for years to come with these premium cleaning accessories, Then, you can give it the ultimate drying experience with The Absorber®. This is a super-drying PVA towel that soaks up and holds water better than anything out there today.

Save time cleaning up after your ride with large-sized towels such as The Absorber® XXL (20in. x 32in.) or The Absorber® MAX (22in. x 43in.). You can even bring a small, spare The Absorber® to cool yourself off while you prepare for the next trip out.

One of the most annoying enemies of boat lovers everywhere is none other than fouling. This is when tiny marine plants and animals attach themselves to any boat parts that sit underwater for a long time, such as the hull. For this reason—while it’s not an exact science—the answer to “how often do you have to wash the hull of a boat?” is usually anywhere between four and 12 weeks for hull cleaning. 

We know: the time frame between boat cleanings can be anywhere from small to huge! That’s because several factors affect how dirty your boat gets. You also have to consider that, when you do decide to clean it, you don’t want to wait until you have to use industrial-strength chemicals or soaps to get all the grime off. Not only is it unnecessarily tiring and time-consuming, but a lot of marinas no longer allow the use of strong cleaning products to protect the region’s water ecosystem.

Factors That Affect Hull Cleaning

For the most part, how often you wash a boat depends on whether your boat has a slip, operates in salt water, and runs often.

Water Salinity

Every time you boat around in salt water: wash your boat as soon as you return to the dock. It has to be with a cleaning agent too! This is because simply hosing it off won’t cut through the sticky salt left behind. Otherwise, the salt builds up and leaves water spots in your windows that never come out! If you can’t give it a full cleaning after a salty ride, that’s okay. However, you should take a little time to wash and dry the windows so they stand the test of time.

Weather Protection

If your boat has a slipcover, you can wash it less often. That’s because, rather than rain droplets, you’ll only be taking care of any dust and debris that got in. That being said, you should still clean off your boat immediately following any rides, so you’re leaving it in good shape when you cover it up. You won’t want it to permanently stain if the gel coating or wax layer has thinned out. As long as you’re washing at least every eight weeks, you shouldn’t need much more than a standard cleaning and waxing.

If your boat doesn't have a covered slip, you should wash it as often as every three or four weeks—maybe even sooner if your wax layer is wearing off, so water streaks, bird droppings, and other stains don’t leave behind an unsightly mark.

Boat Usage

The frequency, duration, and speed you use when boating can make a huge difference in how dirty your boat gets. Although, it may not be for the reason you assume right off the bat! Boats that aren’t used very often are going to quickly get covered in fouling. This is also the case for boats that are only taken out for short, slow rides. By boating more frequently, longer, and quicker, you’ll slow down the growth of fouling as you have fun!

The trade-off is you’ll need to do more basic washes after each of these rides. However, since they’ll be menial, it shouldn’t be anything a boat lover like yourself can’t handle!

Your Secret Weapon For Washing Boats

After gently scrubbing down the hull and windows of your boat with a convenient wash mitt, you’re going to need a drying towel that effectively absorbs every last drop of water off, so no stains are left behind. When it comes to your boat, opt for nothing less than The Absorber®. This towel is made out of a PVA material that allows it to super dry any surface. This way, you can get the cleaning job done better and faster. Best of all, it’s chemical-resistant and machine-washable, so you can use it over and over again for years to come.  

Check out our full collection for even more cleaning tools to help keep your boat in tip-top shape. Trust us—life’s better on a clean boat!

Before You Say Yes: Complete These Boat Maintenance Checks

Buying a boat secondhand can be a great way to find a quality vessel at a more affordable cost. But, to land a worthwhile deal, you’re going to have to give it a test run and proper inspection. This way, you can easily spot the following widespread boat problems and know what you’re getting into before you buy. If you’re unsure of where your standards need to be, ask a knowledgeable friend or mechanic to come along!

Compromised Engine

Come 15 minutes early to your test ride so you can pull the dip-stick and check the oil before the seller can try warming it up. Look to see if the oil looks milky, which means water is present, or if carbon coats the plugs. Listen to your engine before and during the trial run to ensure it’s running smooth.

Malfunctioning Pumps

Manually trigger the bilge pumps as well as other features supported by pumps such as washdowns or heads. This is because, even if you flip a switch to check a pump and it doesn’t respond, the float switch itself could otherwise be where the issue lies.

Faulty Electric System

Turn on all electrical switches and features one-by-one and all together while conducting your water trial. See if the wiring looks different at the fuse box and verify what electrical replacements took place and if they’ve been corrected. Keep an eye on the wiring as a whole and assert whether it looks organized too.

Wood Rot

If you’re considering purchasing an old wooden boat, you may see rot on untreated wood pieces. This usually comes in the form of large cracking around the edges of the transom. You might even notice rot as you walk across a seemingly spongey, bouncy deck.

Waterlogged Foam

Have the seller remove the heavier equipment from the ship and pay attention to whether your boat floats evenly and if the scuppers rest high above the waterline. If possible, bring a moisture meter and mallet on board to tap the corded areas of the boat you think may contain water: they’ll sound different than dry ones.

Stringer and Joint Separations

Concerning the boat’s mainstay, take a well-lit survey of the stringers to note damage or splitting from the hull. You can tell whether the hull-to-deck joint is separated from the ship if the rub rail is bent or broken. You’ll know the sealing is separated if you soak it all with a hose and water comes out around or in the bilge.

Cabin and Lower Unit Leaks

Spray a hose all along the boat and watch out for watermarks, or hatch, port, and seam leaks. If left unresolved, these leaks could lead to lower boat problems, such as milky lower unit oil. You can ask the seller to replace the lower unit oil yourself before agreeing to buy to know for sure.

Dirty Surfaces

Finally, it’ll be much easier to know what kind of boat maintenance is needed once you spruce it up with some cleaning. We highly suggest using The Absorber® drying towel. Its PVA material isn’t only super absorbent but also soft and non-abrasive to protect your new (used) boat. It’s even chemical-resistant and machine-washable to last you for years.

Visit here for more cleaning products to make the used boat yours. After all, life’s better on a clean boat!

When it comes to keeping your boat clean, it seems like everything from A to Z — think algae to zebra mussels — is a threat. Fortunately, these waves of challenges can be met with a little know-how, a little effort, and the best boat cleaning products available.

Here are some boat cleaning tips that apply whether it is yacht cleaning, powerboat cleaning, or pontoon boat cleaning that you are about to embark upon.

A new boat is one of the biggest toys you’ll add to your collection, but it’s also a big commitment, and you can’t expect to become a legendary sea captain overnight. Boating should be a relaxing experience, but there’s no way to predict what types of difficulties can arise when you’re on the water. You can troubleshoot most problems beforehand by planning in advance.

Before charting your course, check out this list of must-have items for every boater: