Tips For Maintaining Your Boat

Tips For Maintaining Your Boat By Kristy Bateman

Like anything else, the best way to care for your boat is to take preventative measures. Don't wait until you can barely see your boat under all of the grime that has built up, to decide it needs a good cleaning. Wouldn't you rather spend the nice summer day enjoying your boat instead of cleaning it?

Let’s start topside:

Because the surface of the boat is a gelcoat, it makes regular cleaning easy. This gelcoat can be cleaned with a mild or boat soap, and then rinsed thoroughly with fresh water to prevent build up of soap scum or water spots. Start at the bow and work your way back because boats drain from bow to stern. You can apply a coat of automotive or boat wax twice a year to maintain a nice shine and protect the gelcoat. Only apply to the parts that will not be walked to prevent slipping.

It is important to dry the canvas before storing your boat to avoid moisture damage and mold buildup. To wash the canvas use a dishwashing detergent and a soft scrub brush if necessary. Every so often, you should lubricate snaps with petroleum jelly and zippers with a paraffin wax. You should also periodically treat the canvas with a waterproofing solution to prevent break-down of the material.

Don’t do windows?

Glass windows can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or a water and vinegar solution. To prevent scratches apply a clear silicon spray with a soft cloth.
Vinyl windows should be cleaned with water because chemicals in cleaners can break down the vinyl. After cleaning apply a clear wax.
If you roll up vinyl windows, do it carefully to avoid scratching. Leaving them rolled up for long periods of time will lead to discoloration.

Have a seat:

Upholstery should be wiped down with a wet cloth, removing dirt and salt. Apply a vinyl upholstery cleaner with a damp cloth, rinse, and wipe off with a clean cloth. You should then use an upholstery wax that protects against UV damage. To get rid of nasty mildew stains, use a solution of one part ammonia to four parts water. Scrub the area with a soft or medium brush, and rinse with fresh water.

Secure the line:

Ropes can be damaged by salt, oil, and dirt. It is important to keep these maintained because they are used for many essential purposes. These should be checked regularly, and replaced if there is any sign of deterioration or tears. Because knotting causes access wear on the lines avoid this as much as possible.
Keep the ropes out of direct sunlight when not in use, and rinse them after each use. Ropes can be washed in a washing machine with a mild detergent. Be sure to place them inside a pillowcase first to avoid damage to the machine.

Fender Bender:

Bumpers take the beatings, poundings and sometimes crashes for the side of the boat. Because of this, they are bound to get dirty. Dirt, tar, and grease can be removed with a strong cleanser and scrubbing pad. When using tar remover, test a small area first to check that it is not too abrasive for the plastic.

Quick Tips:

Do not use bleach; it can be too harsh on many of your boat parts Get in the habit of cleaning your boat each time you come in off the water. By cleaning more frequently, you will avoid an enormous cleaning job that could take a whole beautiful day.

Kristy Bateman is the the writer for Earl's Blog on http://www.SellUrBoat.com Her articles are unique and helpful to anyone looking to learn something about boating and or fishing. Please visit http://www.SellUrBoat.com to view other unique articles from Kristy Bateman. http://www.SellUrBoat.com is the simplest solution to buying and selling 'Ur' boat.
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Choosing the Right Water Ski Tube

Choosing the Right Water Ski Tube

As summer approaches and the days get warmer, boaters will start to think about their favorite past time, boating. If your family is anything like mine, we tend get very excited about getting out the old water ski tubes. As you pull these tubes out of the shed or garage and start to pump air into them, you may realize, like we did this year, that its time to think about purchasing a new water ski tube. Here are a few tips when considering your new purchase.
Consider the following: Do you need more than one style of tube? My family has several ski tubes for different level riders. Our teenagers are going to be riding a much different tube than the younger children, and a different tube as the older parents. So strongly consider the types of tubes you’ll need.

For more advanced singe riders you may want to think about getting the lower profile deck tubes, such as the Sportsstuff Stunt Flyer or the Airhead Hot Shot. Both of these tubes are low profile, easy to store, and convenient for fitting on you boat while your not riding. Another fun option is the Sportsstuff Acrobat Solo. The Acrobats are taco shaped tubes that have been a very popular tube this season.

If you would like to have a ski tube that can fit more than one rider, you may want to look into the Airhead Matrix V2, or the Sportsstuff Frequent Flyer. Both are two person ski tubes that have a low profile deck. The Matrix V2 has winged sides for excellent maneuverability, and the Frequent Flyer has a large thin deck that makes you feel as if your speeding across the lake about to lift off.

If your looking for a ski tube that would work great for both adults and children, check out the Sportsstuff Mable series. These ski tubes are available in (1 rider) Mable, (2 rider) Big Mable, (3 rider) Super Mable and (4 rider) Great Big Mable sizes. The Mable series feature multiple tow points with lots of handles, and has a high back for more relaxing rides. In the Airhead brand you may want to check out the Airhead Hot Dog. This ski tube is a three-rider, hot dog style tube that is great for relaxing rides either behind your pontoon or you ski boat. This tube is a ton of fun for both adults and children.

Budget minded consumers will find a fantastic value in the Sportsstuff Crazy 8 or Zip Ski tubes. Shaped just like the number 8, the Crazy 8 is like 2 single rider open top tubes together. The Zip Ski is the lowest priced tube available from Sportsstuff, and is a fantastic value. The Sportsstuff Outlaw is another fantastic open top tube that is a 48” triangular 1 person ski tube.

Cockpit tubes provide the same thrills as many deck tubes, but often make it easier to stay in the tube, without requiring massive arm strength. Sportsstuff has several types of cockpit tubes including the Speed Zone, Chariot Warbird and the Moto-Pod Series. Each of these models of cockpit tubes come in 1 to 3 rider models.

Now we’re getting into the extreme and specialty ski tubes. The Airhead UFO is one of the newest specialty ski tubes on the market. This tube has different tow points depending on the ride you want. This is a four-rider ski tube that will spin on its axle like a top. The speed of the spin will vary depending on the speed of the boat. If you don’t want to spin you can switch the tow harness to a different location, and simply ride it like a standard ski tube. Be ready to fly into the rushing cool water as the centripetal force may spin you off.

A few more specialty extreme ski tubes are available from the Sportsstuff brand. Two exciting options are the Sportsstuff Gyro or Sumo which offer a completely different type of enclosed tube that you actually get inside. These provide 360 degree fun, are an absolute blast to ride and provide a great show for anyone watching. The Sportsstuff Gyro is a cone shaped ski tube that has a handle in side the funnel. While you’re inside the tube, it will spin 360 degrees as the boat is pulling you. The Sportsstuff Sumo is similar, but your head and arms actually stick out of this tube and you hold onto the tow rope yourself. These tubes are recommended for the more advance tuber.

There are too many exciting ski tubes for me to mention here, but the most important aspect in your selection is the types of riders you are towing. Our site has great videos where you can see most of these water ski tubes in action, and help make your selection easier. We are always available to help you and to answer any questions. I’ll see you on the water.

This article was written by Keith Raven and Jaim Wolfe on 5/20/2007. All Rights reserved. You may not copy, modify, paraphrase or re-use this article in any way.