Routine wash
For normal post-trip cleaning when you rinse regularly and the boat is not heavily stained.
Shop boat wash
Saltwater Boat Care
Best boat wash routine for saltwater boats
Saltwater care is mostly about removing salt before it dries into every corner, then protecting the surfaces and hardware that take the abuse.
Quick answer
Start with a proper marine boat wash and rinse thoroughly after saltwater use. Pay extra attention to the trailer, rails, fittings, engine area, and hardware, then add corrosion protection to suitable metal parts after the salt residue is removed.
After the wash
Quick UV-protection pick for compatible vinyl
Once suitable vinyl, rubber, or plastic surfaces are clean, compare 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant for a simple UV-focused maintenance step. Confirm surface compatibility on the label.
Hardware protection
After a thorough freshwater rinse and wash, protect suitable metal parts, rails, fittings, and hardware from corrosion according to product directions.
Shop Corrosion Block
Finish protection
Wax or protect clean gelcoat after washing so salt and sun are not working directly on an unprotected finish.
Shop marine waxSaltwater wash order
- Rinse the trailer, wheels, brakes, hardware, rails, and fittings.
- Rinse the boat from top down before scrubbing.
- Wash the deck, console, hull, nonskid, seats, and storage areas.
- Rinse thoroughly so soap and salt residue do not dry on the surface.
- Dry the boat and check for remaining stains or salt crystals.
- Protect suitable metal surfaces and hardware according to product directions.
- Wax clean gelcoat periodically based on use and exposure.
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