Find out why boat waxing is important.

Owning your boat and cleaning it regularly is an uphill task. Do you know that boat waxing is an important part of boat detailing? Most boats are made of fiberglass and for that reason a thin layer forms on the surface of the boat over time due to oxidation. In addition, the sun’s UV rays also have an effect on the shiny surface of the boat, making it dull and discolored. Your boat thus loses its original luster and shine.

Waxing hinders the oxidation process and tries to maintain the original finish and shine of the surface. Are you aware that waxing your boat also increases fuel efficiency? A slippery hull glides across the surface of the water with minimal resistance, and that saves you some fuel as your boat navigates deep water.

The hair removal material is just as important as the hair removal techniques. Regardless of the brand of wax you choose, just make sure the product contains a premium carnauba or Brazilian wax. Carnauba wax is made from a plant called the carnauba palm that grows in Brazil. It comes in the form of yellow flakes and is refined and bleached before being packaged. Carnauba wax’s high melting point at 180 degrees F is another plus point that makes it the best choice for waxing boats. In addition, being a natural product, carnauba wax is ecological and helps preserve the environment.

Before waxing, you should spray a vinegar solution that removes hard water stains. The sides and bottom of the boat collect mineral stains and lime deposits after sitting in the water for a long time. Vinegar acts effectively on these marks and removes them without much effort. Once the boat has completely dried, it is ready to wax.

Wax comes in various grades and an appropriate grade can be chosen based on the oxidation effects on the boat. If you want to do the hair removal manually, use a sponge or a soft cloth to apply the wax. For faster results, you can use an electric tampon. Be sure to check the instruction manual to find the pressure limitation of the polishing operation to safeguard the gel coat on the boat. It is important that the wax is rubbed off completely in a circulatory motion and that no part is left cloudy. Remember to keep the polisher moving to ensure that no part gets hot and damages the gel coat finish. Never rotate the edge polisher as the process can cut through the gel coat. Also, don’t forget to apply metal polish on stainless steel or metal parts.

If you don’t want to do hair removal yourself once a year, you can leave it in professional hands. Boat waxing should become part of your annual maintenance program. However, waxing every six months is recommended to keep your boat safe from the harmful effects of UV rays and salty sea water.