How to Keep Your Boat Salt-Free, Rust-Proof, and Adventure-Ready
Let’s be honest there’s nothing more Aussie than spending a day on the water. But every boat trip comes with a hidden cost: salt, grime, and corrosion creeping into your gear. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend fishing run or pulling the jet ski off the beach, marine care isn’t just a chore it’s essential to keeping your boat in top shape.
This guide breaks down how to clean, protect, and maintain your boat using Salty Captain’s marine care range so you can spend more time out on the water and less time scrubbing your gear.
Why Saltwater Is So Damaging for Boats
Salt looks harmless, but it’s a silent destroyer. Once it dries, it starts corroding metal, dulling surfaces, and eating away at your boat’s fittings, engine, and trailer. If left unchecked, salt can shorten the life of your gear and cost you thousands in repairs.
That’s why regular rinsing, washing, and rust protection isn’t optional; it's part of responsible boating in Australia.
Step 1: Rinse Your Boat After Every Trip
Start your post-adventure clean with a full freshwater rinse to knock off loose salt and grime.
For the best results, hook up the Captain’s Musket (our hose-powered foam gun) and spray down your hull, deck, seats, and rails with Salt Wash Detergent. It’s specially formulated to dissolve salt without damaging surfaces.
This first step helps stop corrosion before it starts and makes your boat look fresh straight away.
Step 2: Flush the Engine & Underbody
Your outboard, PWC, or inboard engine collects salt internally too. Use Engine Flush Solution through the Musket or engine muffs to clean the cooling system and stop salt buildup inside.
If you’re trailering your boat or driving on salty sand tracks, grab the Chassis Flusher and run Chassis Flush Solution through your trailer rails or 4WD underbody. It’s a game changer for stopping rust in hard-to-reach spots.
Step 3: Deep Clean Exposed Surfaces
Once rinsed, it’s time for a deeper scrub. Use a microfibre mitt or soft bristle brush to hit key areas seats, consoles, storage lids, and gunwales. You’d be surprised how much salt hides there.
Stick with marine-safe detergents that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Our Salt Wash ticks all the boxes, so you can clean without hurting the waterways you love.
Step 4: Lock in Protection with Anti-Rust Spray
Cleaning is only half the job now it’s time to protect.
Use Captain’s Seal Lanolin Spray or your favourite rust inhibitor on all your metal fittings, hinges, engine parts, and trailer frame. It creates a water-repelling layer that blocks salt and moisture, helping your gear last longer and look better.
Step 5: Clean Your Trailer, Jet Ski & 4WD Too
Marine care isn’t just about the boat, your trailer, PWC, and off-road vehicle cop it too. Rinse them off, wash them down, and spray on some rust protection. It’s the best way to keep your whole setup looking mint and ready for the next run.
Marine Maintenance That’s Simple and Worth It
Looking after your boat doesn’t have to be a full weekend job. With the right setup and Salty Captain’s marine gear, you can knock it over in under 30 minutes and keep your boat rust-free, clean, and ready to go.
Shop the full Marine Care products range and make salt a thing of the past.
Because nothing ruins an adventure faster than rust.