Get ahead of fall maintenance and simplify next season’s launch with these five tips from paint and coating manufacturer and supplier AkzoNobel:
- Clean hulls carefully: Use a 25 or 15 degree pressure washer tip (never a 0 degree or rotary nozzle) to clean off slime, algae and marine growth. Take extra care around rubber components like outdrives to prevent damage. After the hull is clean, wash from the top down to remove waterline stains and grime. If cleaning tanks or bilges, rinse any run-off to avoid damaging antifouling coatings.
- Assess above-water areas for refinishing needs: Inspect decks, hull sides and other areas above the waterline. If the gelcoat or paint has lost its shine or become chalky, consider refinishing. If repainting isn’t necessary, clean and polish thoroughly when suitable (verify if topcoat is appropriate for polishing prior), and apply Awlgrip Awlcare to protect against environmental pollutants and the winter weather.
- Cover and protect topsides properly: Cover the boat with a ventilated system to prevent moisture buildup before storing the boat for the next season. Avoid shrink wrap sitting directly on painted or gelcoated surfaces, which can lead to micro-blistering and ensure covers are tightly secured to avoid flapping or abrasion.
- Check below the waterline for coating and gear damage: Assess the hull and underwater hardware for any signs of wear. If your coating system is showing widespread failure, particularly if it’s more than eight years old, it may be time to strip it back and start fresh. A barrier coat such as Interlux InterProtect or Sea Hawk Tuff Stuff can provide essential protection against water intrusion and corrosion on metal and composite substrates.
- Recoat with a multi-season antifouling product: Multi-seasonal products like Interlux Micron CSC, Trilux 33, or Sea Hawk Biocop TF provide long-lasting protection and allow for flexible launch timing in spring.
