Cleaning the boat :)

[abiehl]

I just purchased a 1994 Macgregor 26 and have taken it out twice now. I purchased the boat in very good condition, and would like to keep it that way. I'm looking for any recommendations you have as to good cleaning methods, and the frequency with which you clean your boat.

What do you use to clean the hull? Can I use the same solution I use to wash my car?
How often do you wax/polish the hull?
What do you use to clean the interior fiberglass surfaces?
What do you use to keep the cushions clean?

Thanks for the help/advice!

[kmclemore]

Cleaning inside and out, just use plain water - 1 gallon - with some Simple Green and a 1/2 cup of bleach. Works great and keeps down the mold inside. Use a stiff scrub brush for the etched areas. We clean the inside thoroughly once a year and the exterior as needed.

Wax and polish once a year. Polish using 3M Polishing compound and an orbital buffer. You should only need to do this every few years if you keep it waxed. Conventional marine wax or even good car wax will do. YMMV on all this, as different environments require different cleaning regimes.

For cushions we simply remove the covers and wash them in the gentle cycle in a commercial washer (laundromat). Dry on cool.

[abiehl]

kmclemore - thank you for the very thorough post!

[dlandersson]

I found a guy that does a very nice job for about $10 an hour. I use him monthly.

I just purchased a 1994 Macgregor 26 and have taken it out twice now. I purchased the boat in very good condition, and would like to keep it that way. I'm looking for any recommendations you have as to good cleaning methods, and the frequency with which you clean your boat.

What do you use to clean the hull? Can I use the same solution I use to wash my car?
How often do you wax/polish the hull?
What do you use to clean the interior fiberglass surfaces?
What do you use to keep the cushions clean?

Thanks for the help/advice!

[MAC-A-TAC]

Hello abiehl,

Once you do have your yacht clean I would suggest using a good Carnauba wax, that one product has made my life so much easier.
My blue 26M gel-coat had become oxidized and required the use of rubbing compound to return it to its original condition. I do not want to repeat that effort anytime soon, so I purchased a better wax than I had previously used in years past. The Carnauba wax does not require frequent applications, just once or twice a year; I use fresh water and a sponge to keep the outside of MAC-A-TAC looking good.

It does help to keep the boat covered, but if that is not an option I would also suggest cleaning the boat weekly using only the water and sponge method followed up with a shammy. This takes me only 30 to 45 minutes, but it is much easier than allowing the dirt to become imbedded which would require more elbow grease and time.

MAC Out.

[chipveres]

Following up on what Mac-A-Tac said: If you keep your Mac on a trailer, use the mast as a ridge pole. Now two tarps from the hardware store will form a tent to keep 99% of the dirt off the topsides.

Chip

[KLMartini]

We just purchased our 1995 three weeks ago and although the owners took good care of it, we gave her a very thorough cleaning. I removed all the cushions, took off their covers, washed them and let the cushion part sit in the sun all day to try to get rid of the boat odor. I then made slipcovers for them because I couldn't stand the look of them. We will probably replace them eventually, but for now I just made simple cushion covers that can be removed and washed anytime (I can't sew, making the project a bit more difficult than it should have been!)

Inside I used Method cleaner, although I've heard that vinegar and water is good as well.

Our boat smelled like an awful air freshener (kind of like a urinal cake, yuk,) so I've been trying to rid her of that smell, with minor success. Hopefully the new organic and natural freshener I bought will help.

We also smudged her with sage to get rid of any negative energy that may be lurking!

Kathryn
http://www.MartinisSerenity.blogspot.com

[capt grumpypants]

Just a reminder in the midst of all the good advice: Don't wax the walking surfaces of your deck (makes more slippery).

C.G.

[Ormonddude]

I bought a cheap but decent buffer from harbor freight for thirty dollars and used 3m cleaner wax it was a lot of work but the boat came out great with a satin shine - some people are not happy unless its mirror like but not me as long as its clean and white I am happy - here is the polisher its often on sale for less - http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tool ... 92623.html

[uanhanlouee]

What do you use to clean the hull? I Use Water. Every third trip, While wet I apply Woody Wax with a rag and a stick. I do not remove. The ocean removs any excess. Woody makes the salt slide off with a hose.
How often do you wax/polish the hull? I have the hull polished in winter with Turtle was polishing compound once a year and have McGuires Gold Class paste wax applied. It will last about a month or two after recommisioning.
What do you use to clean the interior fiberglass surfaces? Water and furniture polish.
What do you use to keep the cushions clean? Water. Automotive leather cleaner.