How To Protect Your Boat From the Sun

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 if you aren't using the best boat cleaning products!

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 both interior and exterior 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 as boat UV protection. 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. This will help save time when cleaning your boat's interior.

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. Use the best boat cleaning products for a quick clean. 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 it.  The Absorber® makes daunting boat maintenance a breeze.