Spring cleaning the boat! Some tips for rubbing before pulling

When it comes to preparing your boat for the start of the heat season, many people have the marina do all the mechanical preparation. But the family or the owners do the rest, which includes washing, waxing and polishing.

If you have children, it is a good time to involve them in the boat maintenance program as they can learn more about a well maintained boat that can mean more time at the lake. But they are not as careful as you want, so here's a little piece of advice.

My kids left the house, but when they were teenagers, it was a great way to help them with how to own a vehicle (car, boat, plane, etc.). I personally think it's good that they learn that ownership is more than just putting a gas tank. The use of the boat is a reward to receive it. But I also know that my kids are never as careful as I want to, so I take some extra precautions.

I always start the project and I remind you of some things that you forgot in the winter (though they say they know it!). Small things like wiping the dirt off the boat first with fresh water. Any dust, dirt or accumulation in the can must be removed with water before the brushes and sponges come into contact with any surface. If the grain is not removed, it will squash and scratch the surface, which will make the situation worse.

Help rinse the pot with a "no stain" if possible. Sometimes you can add a simple dishwasher, water remover with "free ph" to the rinse water.

It is also important to have the right equipment. Good quality brushes, sponges, clothing, tubing and sprayers can prevent the finish from becoming stained and scratched. Many cleaning products are available in your spare parts warehouse or spare parts warehouse. You can even buy many products in hypermarkets like Wal-Mart or Bass Pro Shops. There are also a number of companies that specialize in equipment and marine cleansers. Starbrite has a range of different products to remove dirt and grime and protect the gelcoat finish on today's ships. Make sure you get organic or friendly products. You do not want the harbor police to impose fines on you because they pollute the water when you clean the boat.

Another company, Shurhold Industries , has been manufacturing high quality cleaning and cleaning tools for 30 years. Its products are designed for the automotive and marine industries. I have one of their "Ultimate Maintenance Kits" that includes a brush, a mop and the pull-out handle.

Most people have their own cleaning tools, but if you are new and need to provide your tool wall, here are some guidelines.

1. A pipe long enough to reach the farthest point of the ship.
2. A good plastic spray nozzle that minimizes damage when dropped.
3. A bucket of plastic feet big enough to wet the brush, but not too big to complicate the boat's transportation.
4. A soft brush with a large surface and dense hair pattern removes most of the dirt and stains. Brushes with feathered ends; the square hair and the winding around the safety bumpers work better.
5. A lightweight aluminum telescopic handle that uses an interlocking locking system instead of twisting. This prevents the brush from becoming loose during use.
6. Matching pug and napkins. The artificial suede, also known as PVA, works very well because it is soft, absorbent and durable. The scrapers with their soft blades and plastic housings are ideal for removing excess water from the windows and the helmet.

It is important, especially if you have the help of your child, to use products that do not scratch or ruin the surface. One of the best things I invested in was the plastic nozzle and a hose with plastic accessories. The accessories and the metal nozzles always seem to fall and scratch the gel coat, which takes longer to eliminate scratches.

Most mechanics will tell you that the right tools make the job easier. The same applies to the cleaning. Good tools and products move the project faster and bring the boat to the water sooner. Who does not want that?

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