You're a boat owner, and there's responsibility that comes with it, almost like having a child.  You have to clean up after it!

Whether you're an avid fisherman or you just like to take your boat out for a leisurely cruise on the weekends, one thing is for sure: nobody likes a dirty boat. But with all of the different products and methods out there for cleaning your boat, it can be hard to know where to start. Here's a rundown of the best (and worst) ways to clean your boat, according to Captain Bert.

The Best Way to Clean Your Boat

There's only one way to do it right, and that's with elbow grease. That's right, the best way to clean your boat is the old-fashioned way: with a little soap, water, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease. It might not be the easiest or quickest method, but it's definitely the most effective. Plus, it'll save you a lot of money in the long run.

If you're like most boat owners, you take pride in keeping your vessel clean and well-maintained. But there's one area of your boat that you may not give much thought to - the hull. Just like the rest of your boat, the hull needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent build-up of dirt, grime and marine growth. Fortunately, cleaning your hull is a relatively easy task that can be done with some basic supplies.

To clean your hull, start by scrubbing it with a sponge or brush to remove any dirt or grime. For tougher stains, you may need to use a harsher cleaner or even sandpaper. Once you've removed all the surface dirt, rinse the hull with clean water. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint or wax to protect the hull from future damage.

Proper maintenance should be completed yearly, or even twice yearly depending on how often the boat is used. With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your hull clean and protect your investment for years to come. So don't neglect this important task - it's part of being a boat owner, so grit your teeth and get er done!

The Worst Way to Clean Your Boat

Using a pressure washer may seem like the quickest and easiest way to get your boat sparkling clean, but trust us, it's not. Not only will it damage the paint and finish on your boat, but it can also cause serious injury if you're not careful. So unless you want to end up with a damaged boat and a trip to the emergency room, we recommend avoiding pressure washers altogether.

Another worst way to clean your boat is to use harsh chemicals. Not only are these bad for the environment, but they can also damage your boat's paint and equipment. Even worse, if you don't rinse the chemicals off properly, they can end up in the water, polluting it for other boaters. A better way to clean your boat is to use biodegradable soap and water. This gentle cleanser will clean your boat without damaging it or harming the environment. Plus, it's much cheaper than buying harsh chemicals!

Keep Your Boat Clean!

So there you have it – a few tips on how to clean your boat. Just remember, the hull is the most important part to clean and use gentle cleaners when you can. A little elbow grease never hurt anyone, but please don’t use a pressure washer!

Cheers to the outdoors,
Bert