We had a great time on the water, but then the clean-up comes. Why does it seem that the sailboat was so spotless and in great shape before all the fun ...and now it's filthy and no one really wants to clean it. Soda cans, wrappers, gear all out of place, sails not cared for, .... I think I can , I think I can ... I know I can ...get it all ship shape again. Not to mention the "black marks" on the hull from my trailer's rollers. Get out the wax.
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I used to scrub the deck before guests arrive...
... but I usually run out of time getting the boat ready to sail to actually scrub the deck. It's usually just as well, since we generally trash the boat out sailing anyway (salt spray, spilled soda or beer, chip crumbs, etc.) It seems the best time to clean is right after a cruise or mid-week. However, it's best to at least spray the salt off the boat before putting her to bed.
... but I usually run out of time getting the boat ready to sail to actually scrub the deck. It's usually just as well, since we generally trash the boat out sailing anyway (salt spray, spilled soda or beer, chip crumbs, etc.) It seems the best time to clean is right after a cruise or mid-week. However, it's best to at least spray the salt off the boat before putting her to bed.
Sneaky suggestion
Have everyone arrive earlier than you expect to leave. Give an earlier time of departure, or time of their expected arrival. When they arrive, have them stow their gear, then toss them a brush or sponge. Cleaning is part of sailing. Tell them we all have 25 mins of cleanup before we leave.. They will appreciate sailing without bird-poop on the deck..
Have everyone arrive earlier than you expect to leave. Give an earlier time of departure, or time of their expected arrival. When they arrive, have them stow their gear, then toss them a brush or sponge. Cleaning is part of sailing. Tell them we all have 25 mins of cleanup before we leave.. They will appreciate sailing without bird-poop on the deck..
clean up
I have found that throwing the first person that spills something over the side brings the rest of the guests in line
I have found that throwing the first person that spills something over the side brings the rest of the guests in line
Suggestion...
1)clearly display a cat-o-nine-tails---nuff said. 2)state that if red wine is to be consumed, it must be in a todler's "sippy cup". 3)you eat it, you vomit it, you clean it. 4)assign each person a small specific job after the trip is over. Like compounding the hull or repainting the mast. Seems to work for me, but I never seem to have any crew anymore.
1)clearly display a cat-o-nine-tails---nuff said. 2)state that if red wine is to be consumed, it must be in a todler's "sippy cup". 3)you eat it, you vomit it, you clean it. 4)assign each person a small specific job after the trip is over. Like compounding the hull or repainting the mast. Seems to work for me, but I never seem to have any crew anymore.
Smaller is better
I spent about 4 hours last week scrubbing my 27 from head to toe with Soft Scrub & scrubber pad. Normally I'll just use boat soap & a handled brush to get the majority of yuck off. But I haven't *really* scrubbed her for over a year so during last week's beautiful weather, out came the cleaning gear. She's sooo white now that I can barely look at her without sunglasses! Can't imagine doing all that work to a 36 footer. UGH! LaDonna
I spent about 4 hours last week scrubbing my 27 from head to toe with Soft Scrub & scrubber pad. Normally I'll just use boat soap & a handled brush to get the majority of yuck off. But I haven't *really* scrubbed her for over a year so during last week's beautiful weather, out came the cleaning gear. She's sooo white now that I can barely look at her without sunglasses! Can't imagine doing all that work to a 36 footer. UGH! LaDonna
Keeping it clean...
Your guests will be happy to help you clean the bird crap off the deck and cockpit before you shove off if you let them know that they will be playing the marine equivalent of "musical chairs" while under way. Just remember to keep the cockpit cushions out of sight until everything is clean! On a more practical note, a small plastic grocery bag hanging from two brass cuphooks in the overhead just inside the companionway is great for collecting cockpit trash and keeping it out from underfoot. It's accessible, hard to ignore and stays secure even in big waves. Peter H23 "Raven"
Your guests will be happy to help you clean the bird crap off the deck and cockpit before you shove off if you let them know that they will be playing the marine equivalent of "musical chairs" while under way. Just remember to keep the cockpit cushions out of sight until everything is clean! On a more practical note, a small plastic grocery bag hanging from two brass cuphooks in the overhead just inside the companionway is great for collecting cockpit trash and keeping it out from underfoot. It's accessible, hard to ignore and stays secure even in big waves. Peter H23 "Raven"
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