Summer Maintenance Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For
Keep Your Boat Looking Sharp
There’s nothing quite like summer boating in Florida—sunshine, warm water, and endless adventures on the lake or out on the coast. But with all that fun comes a bit of responsibility. Sun, salt, and daily use can really take a toll on your boat’s appearance if you're not keeping up with maintenance. So whether you're cruising the lakes of Central Florida or heading to the coast, here are a few simple, practical tips to help keep your boat looking its best all summer long.
Rinse After Every Use
Saltwater, lake gunk, and even pollen can build up fast. After every outing, give your boat a freshwater rinse—especially the hull, deck, and hardware. Don’t forget to flush the engine if you’ve been in saltwater!
Wash with Marine Friendly Solutions
A regular rinse is great, but a good soap wash once a week helps remove grime and prevent long-term damage. Use a marine-safe boat soap, soft bristle brush, and microfiber cloths for a scratch-free shine.
Keep Your Canvas & Upholstery Clean
Sunbrella covers, vinyl seats, and fabric accessories should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. Want a little extra flair? Embroidered cushions or custom covers are a great way to protect your surfaces while showing off your style (we can help with that!).
Wax On, Wax Often
A fresh coat of wax protects your boat’s gel coat from UV damage and keeps it looking glossy. In Florida’s sun, waxing every 4–6 weeks during peak summer is ideal.
Don’t Skimp on UV Protection
Spray-on vinyl and plastic protectants (like 303 or Meguiar’s) help shield your surfaces from fading, cracking, and drying out. It’s like sunscreen for your boat—use it generously.
Cover It When You Can
A quality boat cover is your best line of defense against sun and rain. It is also a must from keeping animal feces from damaging your seats and decking.
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