hile I was fishing through my list of possible column topics, I stopped at one of my normal ones for this time of year, spring preparations. I’ve covered this before and probably will again. As you can tell, I typically do the work myself. Some of you might have the marina do the mechanical stuff, like oil changes, tune ups, etc., and that’s fine. You don’t need to be a do it yourselfer to own a pontoon.
But there’s a lot more to do than you might think to get ready for the spring season. Tasks such as washing, waxing and polishing should be on your list. This is also a good time to enlist the help of the rest of the family and that especially means the kids.
Having children help with the maintenance and service is a great way for them to learn what it is like to own a vehicle (car, boat, plane, etc.). I think it’s good they learn true ownership is more than just filling up the gas tank. When old enough, using the boat can be a reward for helping to maintain it.
I always start the project and make sure to remind kids of a few things that I am sure they forgot over the winter (although they say they already know everything). A little thing, such as washing the dirt and grime off the boat with fresh water before you begin, is an important reminder. Any loose dust, dirt or buildup that is on the boat needs to be removed with water before the brushes and sponges contact any surface. If the grit is not removed it will be ground in and scratch the surface, making things worse.
It helps to rinse the boat with a “spot free” rinse if possible. Sometimes a simple dishwasher, “ph free” water spot remover can be added to the rinse water.
It is also important to have the correct equipment. Good quality brushes, sponges, cloths, hoses and sprayers can keep the finish from being marred and scratched. Quick note: many of the cleaning products you’ll need are available at your local marina or auto parts store. You can even buy many of the products at big box stores. Of course there are also a number of companies which specialize in marine cleaning equipment and compounds. There are companies which manufacture several different products to remove the grime and dirt and protect the paint and aluminum finish on today’s pontoons or the gelcoat finish on deck boats. Make sure you get products that are environmentally safe or friendly. You won’t want the marina police to “fine you” for polluting the water while cleaning the boat and we want to do our part to keep our waters safe and clean.
Okay I’m name dropping here. Shurhold Industries has been manufacturing premium care and cleaning tools for years and I have been using their stuff for years. Their products are designed for not only the marine market, but also for the aircraft and automotive markets. In fact, I keep one of their telescoping handles on the boat and use the brush to clean off the sides of my pontoons while in the slip. It also brushes away all the spider webs! I also have the mop head and boat hook that can be put on the same handle.
Anyway, here is a short list of tools a pontoon’r (or any boater) should keep on hand.
- A hose long enough to reach the farthest point of your boat.
- A good, plastic spray nozzle, which will keep damage to a minimum if it’s dropped.
- A bucket with plastic feet that is large enough to dip the brush, but not too large and difficult to carry around the boat.
- A soft brush with a large surface area and dense bristle pattern will remove most new dirt and stains. Brushes with feathered ends, angled bristles and wrap around safety bumpers work best.
- A lightweight, telescoping aluminum handle that uses a snap locking system instead of a twist. This keeps the brush from coming off during use.
- Assorted mops and towels. Imitation chamois, also known as PVA, work great because they’re soft, absorbent and durable. Squeegees are good for removing excess water from windshields, playpen panels or hulls on deck boats.
Most mechanics will tell you that the right tools make the job easier and it’s the same with cleaning. Good tools and products make the project go faster and get the boat in the water sooner, and who doesn’t want that?
Boating Tips & Observations with
Sky Smith
Sky Smith
hile I was fishing through my list of possible column topics, I stopped at one of my normal ones for this time of year, spring preparations. I’ve covered this before and probably will again. As you can tell, I typically do the work myself. Some of you might have the marina do the mechanical stuff, like oil changes, tune ups, etc., and that’s fine. You don’t need to be a do it yourselfer to own a pontoon.
But there’s a lot more to do than you might think to get ready for the spring season. Tasks such as washing, waxing and polishing should be on your list. This is also a good time to enlist the help of the rest of the family and that especially means the kids.
Having children help with the maintenance and service is a great way for them to learn what it is like to own a vehicle (car, boat, plane, etc.). I think it’s good they learn true ownership is more than just filling up the gas tank. When old enough, using the boat can be a reward for helping to maintain it.
I always start the project and make sure to remind kids of a few things that I am sure they forgot over the winter (although they say they already know everything). A little thing, such as washing the dirt and grime off the boat with fresh water before you begin, is an important reminder. Any loose dust, dirt or buildup that is on the boat needs to be removed with water before the brushes and sponges contact any surface. If the grit is not removed it will be ground in and scratch the surface, making things worse.
It helps to rinse the boat with a “spot free” rinse if possible. Sometimes a simple dishwasher, “ph free” water spot remover can be added to the rinse water.
It is also important to have the correct equipment. Good quality brushes, sponges, cloths, hoses and sprayers can keep the finish from being marred and scratched. Quick note: many of the cleaning products you’ll need are available at your local marina or auto parts store. You can even buy many of the products at big box stores. Of course there are also a number of companies which specialize in marine cleaning equipment and compounds. There are companies which manufacture several different products to remove the grime and dirt and protect the paint and aluminum finish on today’s pontoons or the gelcoat finish on deck boats. Make sure you get products that are environmentally safe or friendly. You won’t want the marina police to “fine you” for polluting the water while cleaning the boat and we want to do our part to keep our waters safe and clean.
Okay I’m name dropping here. Shurhold Industries has been manufacturing premium care and cleaning tools for years and I have been using their stuff for years. Their products are designed for not only the marine market, but also for the aircraft and automotive markets. In fact, I keep one of their telescoping handles on the boat and use the brush to clean off the sides of my pontoons while in the slip. It also brushes away all the spider webs! I also have the mop head and boat hook that can be put on the same handle.
Anyway, here is a short list of tools a pontoon’r (or any boater) should keep on hand.
- A hose long enough to reach the farthest point of your boat.
- A good, plastic spray nozzle, which will keep damage to a minimum if it’s dropped.
- A bucket with plastic feet that is large enough to dip the brush, but not too large and difficult to carry around the boat.
- A soft brush with a large surface area and dense bristle pattern will remove most new dirt and stains. Brushes with feathered ends, angled bristles and wrap around safety bumpers work best.
- A lightweight, telescoping aluminum handle that uses a snap locking system instead of a twist. This keeps the brush from coming off during use.
- Assorted mops and towels. Imitation chamois, also known as PVA, work great because they’re soft, absorbent and durable. Squeegees are good for removing excess water from windshields, playpen panels or hulls on deck boats.
Most mechanics will tell you that the right tools make the job easier and it’s the same with cleaning. Good tools and products make the project go faster and get the boat in the water sooner, and who doesn’t want that?