How to Care for a Fiberglass Boat

You don't care that boats have been described as a hole in the water surrounded by fiberglass, into which you pour all of your money. Your boat may be the second-most-expensive purchase you'll ever make. Like all recreational equipment, you know that maintenance is part of the cost of ownership. You know, though, that taking care of the small, regular tasks will extend the life of the boat and your enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild detergent
  • Water
  • Degreasing dish soap
  • Gel coat paste
  • Clear plastic food wrap
  • Duct tape
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • Glass cleaner
  • Newspaper
  • Polishing compound
  • Fiberglass wax
  • Automotive paste wax
  • Electric buffer
  • Plastic scrub pads
  • Non-abrasive cleaner
  • Clean cloths
  • Teak oil
  • Varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the boat with mild detergent and water – as soon as you haul the boat out of the water. Before you leave the boat ramp, rinse the boat with fresh water, to remove aquatic pests that may have hitched a ride on your hull, like zebra mussels or algae.

    • 2

      Remove the upholstered seating that's removable. Wash the boat inside and out with a mix of liquid soap -- a degreasing dish soap is ideal -- and water, in a 1-to-5 mix of soap and water, after each outing. Remove the plug from the bottom rear of the boat and allow any water in the boat to drain.

    • 3

      Repair any scratches in the gel coat surface of the boat by applying a repair coat of gel coat paste. Place a cover of clear plastic food wrap over the top of the gel coat -- gel coat will not cure while exposed to the open air -- and tape the edges down with duct tape remove the vinyl after 24 hours. Sand the repair flat with 400-grit sandpaper and polish the area with polishing compound.

    • 4

      Clean the windshield and windows by spraying a glass cleaner on the glass. Wipe the glass cleaner away on the outside of the glass with sheets of newspaper. Use an up-and-down motion to clean the outside of the glass and a side-to-side motion to clean the inside of the glass.

    • 5

      Apply a coat of specially formulated fiberglass wax to the boat above the waterline. Below the waterline, where anti-fouling paint is present, apply automotive paste wax. Buff both the wax above and below the waterline with an electric buffer.