Deck Maintenance

[Robert9885]

My wife and I just bought our first sailboat, a 1981 Catalina 22. The boat is in good shape. I have one question regarding the deck. What is the best way to clean the surface? Also, what can I do to rejuvinate the surface. I am hesitant to wax it to prevent slips.

 

[Gerry, GMJ Marine]

Robert one easy way to make the gelcoat clean up is to wash the deck down with a soap solution and rinse. Next, I take a spray bottle and fill it with a 10% bleach and water mix. With a small hand scrub brush I spray and scrub starting at the bow and working toward the stern. Do a large section and rinse, move on and repeat. By the time you finish the bow should be mostly dry and a cleaner, brighter white and the non-skid should look better too. Next, use a one step buff and wax product to give the white gelcoat a shine and some protection. Keep it off the non-skid and you sshouln't have a problem with footing. Good luck

 

[Roy]

Deck

Meguiar's 49 Oxidation Remover, followed by Meguiar's 45 Boat/RV Polish, on the deck and hull I'm sure will give you a very nice finish. Roy

 

[Big Windy]

Deck Maint

Practical Sailor...a magazine that constantly tests various products, ran a test in the Feb 15, 2005 issue on non skid cleaners. Stuff included in the test (put on the decks of boats) were mustard, sunblock, two stroke oil, grease, coffee, ketchup, Bud, cranberry juice, and blood and guts from 27 pound Kingfish. Here are the results:Excellent: Meguiar's and 3M...both very expensive ($16/$20).Very Good: West Marine, Star Brite, Nautical Ease.Good: Mary Kate, Sea Bowld, Aurora Boat, Fantastik.Fair: Orange Clean, 409.One note...Soft Scrub was rated as 'excellent', except they said not to use it on fiberglass, especially those with gelcoat.You can get a copy of the test at:http://www.practical-sailor.com/