You can buy boat detergent at outdoors stores or specialty boat shops. Avoid using cleaners that have phosphate since it can create harmful runoff that pollutes water. [2] X Research source
If you aren’t in a rush to polish your boat, you can let it air-dry instead.
You can buy acetone from your local hardware store. If you can afford it, use methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) solvent instead of acetone since it can be more efficient. Acetone is very flammable, so be sure to store it away from heat sources or open flames.
Hull cleaner is a strong chemical cleaner that’s designed to remove scum and algae. You can buy some at a specialty boat shop or online.
When the gel coat oxidizes, it will leave a powdery substance on the surface of your boat. You can easily spot it if you brush against the boat, as the powder will come off on your clothes and hands. [8] X Expert Source Travis LundSailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing Center Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. Pressing too hard with the sandpaper could damage the finish underneath the gelcoat. If the sandpaper glides easily over the surface, you can stop sanding since you’ve removed most of the oxidation.
Polishing your boat without safety equipment can lead to irritation from chemicals or serious injury from the buffer.
You can get variable-speed orbital buffers from your local hardware store. While you can polish your boat by hand, it will take longer to finish and you may get tired.
Heavy cut polish helps smooth out larger scratches and dents on the surface. You can buy heavy cut boat polish online or from specialty sporting stores. Avoid applying the polish directly to the buffer pad since it may not spread as evenly over the surface.
Overlap each of your horizontal strokes by 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) to ensure you polish the entire surface. Keep the buffer against the boat when you turn it off so excess polish doesn’t splatter anywhere. Never hold the buffer in the same spot for longer than 2–3 seconds since you could melt through the gelcoat and damage the finish underneath.
Polish left on your boat can dry and leave a film on the surface.
You can buy fine boat polish online or from specialty boating stores. Fine polish will remove any scratches or swirls left from the heavy cut polish.
Trying to polish your entire boat at the same time may leave streaks or residue on the surface
You can wax your boat any time after you polish it, but avoid putting it back in the water until you do since it could get damaged easily. Wax will turn hazy and dry too quickly on hot surfaces, which could leave a swirled residue on the boat.
The wax will form a protective coating that helps slow oxidation while reflecting light. [18] X Expert Source Travis LundSailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing Center Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. You can buy boat wax online or from specialty boating stores.
Clean off all of the wax, or else it will leave a residue that’s difficult to clean off as it dries further.
Wax will dry out if you leave it on your boat for too long, which may leave streak marks.
