Boat Detailing Tips and Procedures

Auto detailers are often asked to clean boats and detail boat trailers. There is an easy and efficient way to do this with little effort. Washing and waxing boat trailers is an easy sale. Be sure to offer the boat owner a trailer wax. Let the owner know that a heavily waxed trailer is more rust resistant even when used in salt water. They can wax now or repaint later. To remove rust, brush on two coats of Ospho Acid, available in paint stores and marine supply shops. It will change the chemistry of rusting steel from an active to a passive state and stop rust cold.

Washing Fenders, Lines and Shore Power Cords

When washing lines most manufacturers recommend putting them in a net bag and throwing them in a washing machine. Although you cannot do this we recommend Gemtek Cleaner/Degreaser, which will not remove the finish on the lines. Washing fenders, same thing and afterwards wipe with a protective spray such as CRS or WD-40. Cleaning shore power cables is something not everyone does. It can leave a boat looking extra clean (the way a pair of clean and dressed wheels lights up a car) and really goes above and beyond the call of duty. You can charge $1.00 - $2.50 a foot for cleaning them. Most of the time they are greasy and grimy from docks and creosote tar. Make sure power is off and they are unplugged before attempting to clean. You don’t want shocking while you shine. Keep cords out of the water as much as possible. The way to really clean them fast is with acetone. Work one section at a time and slowly.

The acetone slightly melts and softens the cords outer shell so be careful not to over saturate the cord and towel. Change towels exposing a clean surface. This will make your work faster. Then dress them with a little 303 protectant or Armor-All. You can also use Starbrite’s Power Cord Cleaner as well as a protectant and acetone neutralizer. Stowed hoses can attract mold, mildew and grease from lack of use or due to climate and other conditions. Follow the same cleaning procedures for the shore power cables.

Lance Winslow