Cleaning your boat at regular intervals keeps your boat’s appearance in mint condition every time you take it out for a spin. In this article, we’ll share the best, most effective boat cleaning tools.
Why is it necessary to make cleaning your boat a priority? The buildup of salt and dirt interferes with the metal’s ability to resist corrosion. Gelcoat and vinyl are porous surfaces, meaning they have the ability to absorb water and grime from their surroundings, becoming chalky and prone to mold and mildew. And lastly, the salt residue can damage paint over time. Keep reading to learn how to avoid each of these headaches.
Boat Cleaning Made Easy with These Top-Selling Tools
1. Gilmour Marine & Recreation Hose
Hosing down your boat is a simple but necessary task, as it rinses away harmful residue. This specific hose is powerful with high burst strength and easy to coil with kink resistance. It has a durable exterior that won’t mar your boat surfaces. The hose is ideal for use while boating or around the dock. It also meets FDA standards so zero impurities are imparted to the water.
2. Gilmour Plastic Nozzle
This high-quality nozzle easily attaches to the Gilmour Marine & Recreation Hose. It’s specifically designed for marine use, as it resists corrosion caused by saltwater. The durable polymer body on this nozzle includes an internal spring mechanism, making cleaning your boat safe and easy.
3. PVA Towel
Star Brite’s 27″ X 17″ PVA towel is a must-have for all boaters. It absorbs 50% more than natural chamois making it an excellent tool to try key areas of your boat before turning in for the day. It’s highly resistant to mold and doesn’t leave behind any lint residue or streaks when drying off your boat. It’s also conveniently machine washable.
4. Star Brite White Cotton Diaper Polishing Cloths
Super soft and absorbent for special cleaning jobs. 17″ X 17.5″ 100% pure cotton diapers are the best cloth for polishing.
5. Star Brite Microfiber Reggae Sponge (or Mitt)
Both of these products are made of microfiber that is highly absorbent yet soft, so you can be sure it won’t scratch your gelcoat or painted surfaces. You can use either the sponge or mitt wet for washing, or dry for dusting. The sponge has a special scrubbing side that quickly removes tough stains and scum lines. Both products are machine washable.
6. Microfiber Cleaning/Detailer Cloths
These premium cloths are made of non-scratching microfibers that are ultra-absorbent and super gentle on almost all surfaces. The ultra-fine fibers act like dirt magnets to all coated and non-coated finishes, fiberglass, windows, polished and plated metals, brass, and electronics. Put away that old t-shirt or dish rag and grab a microfiber cleaning cloth. These cloths are reusable and machine washable.
7. Shurhold 6’ Telescoping Handle
Easily reach any surface with this durable, six-foot-long handle. With the SHUR-LOK quick release system, this handle can be locked at any of four different lengths from 40-72 inches. This product makes cleaning easy and hassle-free. There are also over 30 different attachments from Shurhold that fit this telescoping handle, including brushes, squeegees, and mops.
8. Shurhold 6” Deck Brush (Yellow or White)
The only difference between these two brushes is their stiffness- the yellow brush features a medium amount of stiffness (for general use) while the white brush is extra stiff (good for non-skid deck surfaces). Both will fit any Shurhold handle and are safe on gel coat, fiberglass, teak, below the water-line, or painted surfaces.
The brushes contain specially designed split end fibers to hold more soap and water. Their angled heads, wrap-around safety bumper, and SHUR-LOK quick release adapter make them extra convenient.
9. Shurhold Soft-N-Thirsty Mop
Another must-have for all boaters, this top of the line mop is excellent for preventing water spots on those hard to reach areas. This quality mop is more expensive than a traditional cotton string mop, but is a lot more absorbent and durable, not to mention machine washable. It also features a SHUR-LOK quick release adapter and fits all Shurhold handles.
10. Shurhold Marine Maintenance Kit
The ultimate start-up kit for the new boat owner or the old-salt that needs to refresh their supplies. This all-in-one bundle comes with a 6’ Telescoping Extension Handle, a 6” Soft Deck Brush, a Soft-N-Thirsty Mop, a 3-in-1 Boat Hook, a 10” Curved Adaptor, and a tube of Snap-Stick.
Keeping your boat clean is an essential part of regular maintenance. By using the right boat cleaning tools, your investment will retain its look and luster over a longer period of time and be better protected from exposure to the harsh marine environment.
5 comments
I like the attitude. Just do it.
I have used several boat brushes that are a pain to hold, especially for a long time. When my hands are wet, the handle slides. With this brush from Star Brite, however, that isn’t the case. It has a non-slip grip, which means that even with wet hands, you can hold it properly.
Great article! In my experience, I find it easier and faster to deal with the stains with a non-stick and gentle deck cleaner before finally applying some finishing scrubbing to polish the surface.
We completely agree!!
Thanks for your information. Shurhold has definitely made a great product. The bristles are great for my non-skid deck and soft enough for the hull. I only use it on the hull when there is a build-up, but does not scratch it. the rubber bumper rail is great, doesn’t mark up your gel coat.