Boating & Yacht Blog

The paint you choose for your jet ski depends on your budget, what the hull of your jet ski is made of, the area of the jet ski you’re painting, and the look you want. 

There are several types of paint you can use for different areas of your jet ski. There’s more durable paint for your jet ski’s hull, which spends the most time underwater, and there’s topside paint, which is used for the areas that do not become fully immersed in water.

Here are some common types of jet ski paint and how to apply it.

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Jet Ski

Basecoat-Clearcoat Paints (BCCC)

BCCC paints are a budget-friendly option. They require only one coat of paint, unlike other types of jet ski paint. Basecoat paints are less prone to oxidation, and they help improve your fuel efficiency.

However, BCCC paints are sensitive to abrasions and scratches, so you have to be careful when cleaning your jet ski. Don’t use any abrasive polishing or rubbing compounds. If you take care of your basecoat paint, it can last for a long time.

Epoxy Paints

Epoxy paints are a mixture of hardener and epoxy resin, and they provide a solvent-resistant, durable finish. The amount of epoxy paint you need per square foot is lower relative to other types of jet ski paint.

Because epoxy paints resist abrasions, they have a long lifespan, as long as you clean your jet ski after each use and remove all residual moisture.

If you want to change your jet ski paint frequently, epoxy paints aren’t a good choice since they can be difficult and costly to remove.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints are known to be able to withstand different weather conditions, and they provide a stunning, glossy finish. They’re also easy to use—they dry very quickly, and they last a long time once hardened.

However, enamel paints are a more costly option.

Polyurethane Paints

Polyurethane-based paints are popular for cars, boats, and jet skis. They can resist extreme weather and provide a high gloss, consistent finish.

They are also self-cleaning, meaning dirt and dust can be washed away automatically. However, polyurethane paints are not the most durable option. They can also alter the color of wood surfaces.

How To Paint a Jet Ski

Pre-Procession

Locate a covered space where you can paint your jet ski without anything damaging your paint coat. However, make sure this space is well-ventilated—jet ski paints are not safe to inhale.

You’ll also need a mount where you can place your jet ski so it remains stable during painting.

Preparations

Start by washing your jet ski and removing all stickers from the body. 

Next, sand off the old paint to create a good foundation for the new paint.

Take off all the parts of the jet ski you can, and then mask and tape all the parts you can’t.

Painting

Once you’ve sanded the jet ski and applied primer, it’s time to paint. Mix the paint according to the instructions. Don’t mix too much at once or it will dry out before you’ve applied it.

Next, fill up the paint spray gun container. Spray a bit on a piece of cardboard to make sure everything’s working properly.

As you paint the hull, work in thin coats to stop the paint from running. You’ll probably need to apply four coats.

Allow the paint to get tacky between coats.

FAQs

Can I Use Spray Paint on My Jet Ski?

Spray paint cans are not a good option for jet skis. Since the hull of your jet ski will spend most of its time underwater, you need a more durable option, like hard bottom paints or hybrid or semi-hard paints.

If you’re going to use a can of paint, you’ll need a paint sprayer , though.

What’s the Best Paint for Jet Skis?

You can paint the top deck of your jet ski with any waterproof gelcoat paint since it doesn’t get fully immersed in the water.

When it comes to jet ski hull paint, you need a more durable option. For the part of the hull that’s above the water line, you can use polyurethane or enamel topside paint. For the part that’s often underwater, you can use acrylic marine paint or epoxy marine paint.

Should I Have My Jet Ski Professionally Painted?

If you want a custom-painted jet ski, taking it to a shop is a good idea. Professionals have stencils and patterns to follow, as well as more experience applying the correct thickness of paint. 

Additionally, if you’ve never worked with sandpaper or a paint spray before, you might want to get your jet ski professionally painted.

Keep Your Jet Ski Looking Sharp With CleanTools

A high gloss finish on your jet ski always starts with a good wash. Whether you’re taking care of your epoxy paint coat or getting ready to apply a new coat of paint, you’ll need a marine boat cleaner and a few highly absorbent towels. With a few wipes, the Boat Lover’s Towel will have your jet ski sparkling, free of debris, and ready to hit the water in style.

Bottom paint on boats is designed to repel aquatic organisms, plants, and algae that can damage the hull, affect the boat’s performance, and create a continuous maintenance chore. Bottom paint is ideal for boats that stay in the water for long periods of time.

Read on to learn more about what bottom paint does, how to choose the right paint for your boat, and how to maintain your boat.

What is Antifouling Paint For Boats?

Bottom paint or antifouling paint are interchangeable terms for paint that is applied to the bottom or hull of a boat. This paint acts as a protective layer for the part of the boat that sits in the water.

Bottom paint can also be applied to the lower unit of the motor and trim units.

Most boats don’t come with bottom paint; it’s something you add aftermarket. If your boat is going to be sitting in the water for long periods of time, it may be a good idea to apply bottom paint.

What is the Purpose of Bottom Paint?

The formula of bottom paint wards off marine growth, keeping the hull cleaner and leading to less discoloration.

A layer of bottom paint also makes it easier to clean the hull of your boat, as marine growth will come off easier than it would if your boat were not painted.

Cleaning is important because a buildup of marine growth on the hull can hinder your boat’s speed and cause lower fuel efficiency and performance from your engine.

How to Choose the Right Bottom Paint For My Boat

Bottom paint is mainly recommended for those who boat in saltwater and particularly for those who plan to leave their boat sitting in the water.

Coastal areas usually see the most sunlight throughout the year, and the more sun there is, the more growth happens on the seafloor. Hulls in these areas are more susceptible to the buildup of marine growth, and the antifouling properties of bottom paint prevent the rapid growth of buildup.

Excessive marine growth on the hull can break through the gel coat of a fiberglass boat and leach into the fabric of the boat. This can cause blistering that allows water into the fiberglass and leads to delamination. If the salt water breaks through because of delamination, it will eat away at the material of the hull.

Saltwater also speeds up oxidation, which leads to discoloration of the hull.

There are different antifouling formulas depending on the material of the hull. For example, pontoons need a different type of bottom paint than wooden or fiberglass boats do.

What Are the Steps to Bottom Painting?

First, you need to determine the waterline and create a straight tapeline that makes a clean border between the bottom and the side of your boat. Previous marine growth can direct you where to make this line.

If your boat bottom has never been painted, the next step is to use 60 or 80-grit sandpaper to scuff sand the gel coat to remove any wax or debris and create a smooth surface that the paint can adhere to. You should also fill in any chips in the gel coat and sand smooth.

If your boat bottom was previously painted, light sanding is required to remove any debris and create a good adhesive surface.

Generally, one to two coats of antifouling paint provide adequate protection.

After painting, pull the tape off while the paint is fresh, and launch your boat after the paint dries overnight or soon after.

How Often Does Bottom Paint Need To Be Applied?

On average, a properly applied layer of bottom paint should last two to three years if you use your boat regularly. If your boat sits at the dock in the water year-round and you take it out for cleaning only once or twice a year, the paint will not last as long. In this case, you should re-apply the paint every year.

FAQs

What Is Marine Paint?

Marine paint is a urethane paint that is specifically formulated for boats and leaves a glossy finish. It’s one option you can choose for your boat’s hull. Another option is gel coat, which is a resin-based finishing material that dries into a hard, shell-like casing.

What Is the Best Bottom Paint For Boats?

The bottom paint you should choose depends on what kind of boat you have and your boating habits. If your boat sits in the water and stays there, you need “hard” bottom paint. If you use your boat frequently and pull your boat out of the water sometimes, ablative bottom paint is a good choice.

What Is Ablative Bottom Paint?

Ablative bottom paint is self-polishing paint that wears off the surface paint as your boat moves through the water. As the paint sloughs off, it exposes fresh paint that continuously protects your boat’s hull. When you put your boat back in the water, it softens the paint, and the protection is activated.

If you don’t use your boat frequently, ablative paint is not a good option for you, because it requires your boat to be in motion to expose the fresh paint surface. On the other hand, if you have a high-performance boat and often run at high speeds, ablative paint is too soft and will wear off quickly.

Glide Through the Waves With CleanTools

Barnacles on boats are not only unsightly, but they also cause resistance that decreases speed and increases fuel consumption. They can be stubborn critters, but there are some tried-and-true ways to remove them.

Read on for the best ways to remove barnacles from your boat’s bottom.

Manual Barnacle Removal

If barnacle buildup is extensive and covers large areas of your boat’s hull, you can use a pressure washer to remove the bulk of it. Be sure to spray the pressure washer parallel to the hull’s surface to avoid making gouges in the fiberglass.

Pressure washing is not very effective on young barnacles and runs a higher risk of damaging the gel coat.

For small patches of barnacles or those left after pressure washing, remove them with a scraper. It’s best to start with a wooden or plastic scraper to reduce the risk of damage. You may have to use a metal paint scraper for stubborn barnacles. Scrape parallel to the hull’s surface to get underneath the shells of the barnacles.

After the barnacles are removed, they may leave behind a calcium-based residue known as a husk, which needs to be chemically removed.

Chemical Barnacle Remover

Mild boat hull cleaners contain either a calcium remover (lime remover) or a weaker acid like oxalic, phosphoric, or citric acid to help remove barnacle residue. Apply a boat cleaner with a nylon brush and let it sit so the chemicals can take effect. Then wash and gently scrape off the residue. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all husks.

If mild boat cleaners and acids are not effective after several attempts, you will need to use muriatic acid, which is a type of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Muriatic acid is highly corrosive and can damage your eyes, skin, and lungs, as well as paint, gel coat, metal, and plastics.

Handling muriatic acid requires gloves, protective clothing, and a respirator mask. It is recommended that only professionals use this acid as a hull cleaner.

How to Remove Barnacles From Boat in Water

If you need to remove barnacles while your boat is docked, manual removal is the best method. Use the gentlest scraper you can to remove the bulk of the barnacles. Use a metal paint scraper or putty knife only if necessary.

Pressure washing is a better choice for when your boat is on land and the barnacles have had time to dry out.

How to Get Barnacles Off Your Boat’s Motor

To get barnacles off your boat’s outboard motor, use a calcium remover or mildly acidic boat hull cleaner and a stiff-bristled brush. Let the cleaner sit before scrubbing. You’ll likely have to repeat this process a few times. Be sure to only use a mild cleaner to avoid damage to the paint, plastic, metal, or gel coat.

How to Remove Barnacles From Boat Lift

You should rinse your boat lift with fresh water after each use to avoid barnacle growth in the first place. But if there are already barnacles on your boat lift, follow the same steps to remove them as you did for the rest of your boat. If your boat lift is made of aluminum, be sure to use an aluminum-safe cleaner.

Keep Barnacles at Bay With CleanTools

The more often you remove barnacles from your boat’s hull, the easier it will be to maintain and keep barnacles off. This also means there will be less risk of damage to your boat’s paint. All you have to do is incorporate barnacle removal into your boat’s regular maintenance. So scrape them away, and then pick up the Boat Lover’s Towel to clean, polish, and wax your boat for a slick, shiny surface that will make future barnacle removal even easier.

To keep your boat looking its best, you should wash the bottom of your boat about once a month or as soon as you notice stains, algae, or dirt on the hull. This will protect your boat from damage, increase its overall lifespan, and make things easier once it comes time for cleaning.

Here’s how to clean the bottom of your boat.

1. Take Your Boat Out of the Water

It’s possible to clean your boat while it’s in the water, but this process is more labor-intensive and requires more supplies. You’d need scuba gear, water-safe cleaning supplies, and a good amount of time.

To make the cleaning process easier, take your boat out of the water and bring it to a car wash, field, driveway, or parking lot.

2. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Once your boat is on land and ready for cleaning, it’s time to gather your cleaning supplies. 

Here are the boat bottom cleaning tools that you’ll need:

• Hull cleaner
• Water hose / power washer
• Bucket
• Brushes
• Sponges
• Soft, absorbent towels
• Marine polish
• Gloves

Before you begin, note that you cannot use everyday cleaning products to clean your boat. These products are not safe for marine life and can be harmful if they enter the water. Use marine cleaners that are specifically designed to be safe for marine wildlife.

3. Wet the Boat Bottom

To start the cleaning process, wet the boat with a hose or pressure washer. If the grime on the boat bottom is thick, start with the pressure washer and use the hose later. A pressure washer will remove the outer layer of dirt and any loose materials clinging to the bottom.

If you don’t have a water source of your own, you can rent one or take your boat to a car wash.

4. Apply a Hull Cleaner

Once the bottom of the boat is wet, begin to apply a hull cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves, and focus on problem areas first. You can use brushes, sponges, or rags to work in the hull cleaner. Then, let it sit for at least two minutes.

During this time, the ingredients in the hull cleaner will start breaking down the grime and stains on the bottom of your boat, loosening them for the next round of rinsing.

After you’ve let the cleaner sit for at least two minutes, take your hose and rinse the bottom of the boat until the cleaner is gone.

One application of hull cleaner may be enough to clean the bottom of your boat, but if not, repeat this process until you achieve your desired results.

5. Dry the Boat

Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed all the hull cleaner from your boat, take a clean towel and dry the exterior of your boat. Completely drying it will prevent water spots from forming on the hull and allow you to take a closer look and check for missed dirt.

Also, the sooner your boat is dry, the sooner you can move on to the final step in the cleaning process.

One thing to note is that you should avoid using rough towels that can scratch your boat’s exterior and paint job. You should use soft towels or towels specifically designed for boats .

6. Apply Boat Polish

Polishing your boat after cleaning it is a step you don’t want to skip. Marine polish creates a slick surface that most dirt and grime cannot stick to, which will keep your boat cleaner for longer. Polish also protects the exterior of your boat from sun damage and weathering.

You should follow the directions on the boat polish that you choose, but you’ll always start by applying the polish to the exterior of your boat in small circles with a soft towel and waiting for it to dry.

How to Clean the Bottom of Your Fiberglass Boat

You can clean fiberglass boat bottoms by following the above steps. The most important thing to do is to clean the hull of your boat regularly to avoid fouling, or the buildup of marine organisms. The “glue” left behind by these organisms can damage both fiberglass and wooden hulls.

How to Clean the Bottom of Your Boat in the Water

If you decide to clean your boat while it’s at the marina, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the restrictions in your local marina to confirm that you’re allowed to clean your boat there.

Next, determine the type of antifouling paint that is on your boat hull. Soft or ablative antifouling paint should be cleaned by gently sweeping a soft cloth along the surface of the hull. Scrubbing ablative paints will cause toxic chemicals to be released into the water, which can harm marine wildlife and enter water and food sources.

Hard bottom paint can be scrubbed a bit more thoroughly than ablative paint, but you should still use the least abrasive material that is effective for the job. For example, using a wire brush will still cause some bottom paint damage and release toxic chemicals into the water.

Underwater boat hull cleaning tools must include something to scrape off marine growth since you can’t use a hose or power washer underwater. Examples include wood planks, scrubbing pads, and firm-bristled brushes. You’ll also need work gloves and snorkeling or scuba gear.

Maintain Your Boat’s Bottom With CleanTools

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.

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.