Summer’s nearly here, and that means one thing: long days out on the water. Whether you're heading out for fishing, wakeboarding, or just a lazy cruise with the crew, now’s the time to get your boat in ship-shape. A good pre-summer clean isn’t just about looks, it helps prevent rust, corrosion, and mechanical issues from spoiling your summer fun.
Here’s your go-to marine cleaning checklist to get your boat ready for the season with a little help from the legends at Salty Captain.
Step 1: Blast Away Salt with Salt Wash Detergent
After months in storage or even just regular use, your boat’s likely covered in dried salt, grime, and maybe even mould. Start with a good scrub using Salty Captain Salt Wash Detergent. It’s biodegradable, marine-safe, and tough on the nasty stuff without harming your gel coat, vinyl, or chrome.
Pro tip: Use the Captain’s Musket Foam Blaster to lay on a thick foam layer for better coverage and less waste. It’s a quicker, easier way to get the detergent doing its job.
Step 2: Flush Your Engine and Trailer
Salt can build up in all the hard-to-reach places. Don’t forget to flush your engine cooling system, jet ski intakes, and trailer undercarriage with Chassis Flush Solution. This rust-busting cleaner removes salt from deep inside the system and leaves a protective layer behind.
Hook it up with the Salty Captain Flusher Cap for hands-free rinsing that gets the job done while you crack a cold one.
Step 3: Vacuum Out Standing Water
Check storage compartments, bilge areas, and under seats for pooled water. Use the FlowVac Venturi Water Vacuum to quickly suck it all up without electricity or a battery. It’s powered by your hose and works like a charm, leaving your boat dry and mildew-free.
Step 4: Tidy the Deck and Upholstery
Give your deck, seating, and interior a once over with a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Check for any cracks in the vinyl or mildew buildup. A quick rinse and wipe down can save you from having to deal with split seams or deep set stains later.
Step 5: Restock Your Boat Cleaning Kit
Keep your marine gear sorted and ready to roll with the Captain’s Rescue Box or the Boat & 4WD Pack. These kits come loaded with all the essential detergent, flushing gear, and foam blasters so you’ve always got the right tool for the job.
Browse the full Marine Care range
Final Thought
Prepping your boat now means fewer headaches later. A quick clean, flush, and stock-up will keep you cruising smoothly all summer long. And with Salty Captain’s Aussie designed gear, it’s never been easier to look after your pride and joy.
