As the spring season draws to a close, efforts persist in the land parking lots as boats are meticulously readied for the deep blue sea. These are opportune days to recall the tactics of deck upkeep. Hence, the question arises: How should we go about cleaning boats that have been launched following their maintenance on land?
Serkan Kılıç, Setur Marinas Kalamış & Fenerbahçe Senior Lift Operator
As you are aware, saltwater can cause sediment to accumulate on boats. To prevent this, it is recommended to wash the boat with fresh water as frequently as possible. However, due to the serrated walkways of fiber boats, removing saltwater sediment through washing alone can be challenging. Therefore, it is recommended to use soft brushes and gentle scrubbing to aid in the cleaning process. In cases where stains persist on the serrated areas even after washing, it may be necessary to apply a paste to those areas.
Saltwater can have a highly detrimental effect on both metal and fiber surfaces. The most significant impact is rusting, which can be caused not only by saltwater, but also by malfunctioning boat tacks and electrical leakage. To prevent rusting, it is essential to wash and immediately dry the affected area. Depending on the frequency of sea navigation, chromating once a month may also help prevent rusting.
It is true that maintaining a teak boat requires more attention to detail than a fiber boat. While saltwater does not harm teak materials, stains can occur on teak if not cared for properly. These stains should be treated first with saltwater, and if that is not sufficient, with fresh water. Using teak protective materials can help prevent stains and extend the life of the teak.
Saltwater is not the only issue that can affect the deck of a boat. Care should also be taken with the shoes worn on deck, as using shoes with leather soles, heels, or other unsuitable types can damage the deck and teak floors, and cause stains. Whenever possible, it is advisable to not wear shoes on the boat. However, when shoes must be worn, suitable options should be selected to prevent damage.
Photographs: Serkan Kılıç, Vince Russell (Unsplash)