BEFORE YOU STORE THE BOAT

Only a good quality marine boat wash product will get rid of the yellow stains on the hull

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Don’t just put a cover on that pontoon boat and take it to storage for the winter if you expect to host the grandchildren or college roommates at Lake Martin come spring. Proper cleaning, cosmetic reparations and storage now will ensure a less costly, mildew-free season opener next year, said local boat cleaning professionals.

The most important task is to make sure you store the boat dry, said Coach Kraft owner, John Mason.

“Take everything out from under the seats – wet life jackets, towels, everything. Get all the wet gear out from under the seats. Leave seat cushions in an upright position, and if you can, try to leave a door or two open in the pontoon boat for better air flow,” Mason cautioned. “The idea is to minimize dampness.”

Water may be the key to good times during the summer, but in the winter, any hint of water in the boat will promote mildew and mold growth, especially if you cover the boat with canvas over the winter.

“The biggest mistake people make is that they miss the cleaning,” said Gary Hardy, owner of On Site Boat Care. “They think it doesn’t really matter if they store the boat dirty because they will not be using it for six months, but it really needs to be thoroughly cleaned before it’s put up for the winter. Dirt and

Dmoisture make mold. When they uncover the boat, it will be covered with mildew. That gets down into the seats, and in spring, all the upholstery will need to be replaced.” Taking the time now to clean your boat properly will save time and money when you want to get back on the water next season. But using household cleaners could actually damage the boat in the long run, said Mason. “Don’t use Clorox or other bleaches, nothing caustic. Those products will age the upholstery prematurely and eventually crack the vinyl,” he said. “Most marinas sell a product called 303 Protectant. It’s a non-toxic dirt and dust repellant. You spray it on and wipe it off – like similar products for your car, but don’t use the car products on your boat. It will do the same thing as the Clorox.” As you clean the upholstery, check for signs of wear and damage or seams that are splitting open. Seats may start to crack, or some seats may turn a smoky color. “Those are some of the first signs of wear that people will see, and it’s usually when the boat is six or eight years old,” Mason said. “Most people take real good care of the boat for the first three years; then, they start leaving it out in the weather. They figure

they’re coming back next weekend; they’ll just leave the cover off this time. It’s a costly mistake.”

This can be especially true as the water level begins to drop at the lake.

“The water will drop faster than they think. They’ll come back to take the boat out and find it stranded because the lake level dropped quickly, this year especially because the water will drop an extra 3 feet,” Mason added.

If it’s time to replace the seats, flooring or canvas, call now to make those arrangements, as schedules for most boat cleaners and upholsterers fill through January by the end of October. Hardy said it’s a good idea to make color and product choices early and don’t bring the boat to the shop until all of the materials have been ordered and received. That way, your boat will be out of commission for the least amount of time possible.

Check to see if upgrades are available that will cut down on moisture and help you keep the boat clean. For example, carpet was standard issue in older boats, but it holds moisture and greatly contributes to mold and mildew problems. Newer boats are floored with woven vinyl or rubber materials that repel moisture, and these can replace carpet in older models.

Replace seat cushions with those covered in anti-microbial vinyl, which has inhibitors to prevent mold and mildew, Hardy said.

“The vinyl in boats has pores in it, like skin. Water gets down in there, and you get these dots of mold that embed themselves into the vinyl. The anti-microbial vinyl will not contribute to mold and mildew,” he said.

Once you get the boat out of the water, check the hull for any scratches from the bumpers, as well as dings and other damage, said Hardy.

“Use a good marine boat wash for the exterior. You can wash away algae and dirt, but only a good boat cleaner will clean the yellow stain,” he said. “If you have a pontoon boat, you’ll need to use an acid wash to get rid of the stain, but because the run-off from the cleaner is toxic, you can’t do it close to the lake. If you don’t have a place away from the water where you can do it, take the boat to an off-water professional to have it done.”

And finally, before you cover the boat, inspect the canvas to make sure it is in good condition and still retains its water repellant qualities. Deteriorating materials will allow water into the boat under the canvas and trap the moisture, making for a very unpleasant surprise of mold and mildew in the spring.

It is possible to spend as much as $10,000 on new seats, floor coverings and canvas, Mason said, but that’s only a fraction of the price of a new boat.

“You can update the boat and make it look like a brand new boat for a lot less than the cost of a new boat,” he said. “If it was a good boat to start with, it’s a good boat to have, so it’s a good boat to maintain.”

Improper storage often results in mildew-stained upholstery Use products specifically designed to clean marine fiberglass