Why is My Gel Coat Oxidizing So Fast?

Every boat owner will agree that the least fun part of owning a boat is the maintenance. After a long weekend on the water, enjoying the sun, no one wants to think about soap, scrubbing, polishing, or anything of that sort, but it’s important. Being the shiniest boat on the water doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s not all that much work if you maintain and treat your boat properly when it’s out of the water. Keeping in mind a few key components will make keeping that shine a breeze!

Are You Using the Right Products?

With so many household cleaners in the garage, it’s easy to think you can skip the boat-specific products and use what you have on hand, such as dish soap, to clean your boat. However, dish soap and other household cleaners usually contain ingredients that will cut through the wax on your boat and cause oxidation long-term, so using a low-PH boat soap is key. Along with the boat soap, be sure you’re using a microfiber rag to wash off any stains or marks. Leave the abrasive sponges out of this!

Are You Compounding or Polishing Before Waxing?

While it would be awesome if we could all get away with a quick boat wax solving all of our oxidation problems, that’s not the case. Even the best wax in the world can’t stop oxidation forever, you need to compound or polish your boat before waxing, at least a few times each year. Compounding and polishing will help maintain the wax finish longer and keep your boat looking new.

Are You Keeping an Eye on New Stains?

Take a look at your boat after every trip to the water to rub off any easy stains and keep it fresh. Remember, maintaining is much easier than trying to solve a problem that has been left alone too long. If you rewax after each trip, you can prevent oxidation from setting in.

Are You Storing Your Boat Properly?

The main thing that damages your boat is the sun; its harmful UV rays can eat through the wax and protectants on the vessel and cause oxidation to occur. When you’re not on the water, keep your boat covered or in a covered and shaded area to help keep it looking its best. Just like you, after a long day in the sun, your boat needs to get out of the sun and recover.

Are You Rinsing Your Boat Off After Boat Trips?

Every. Single. Time. No, not every third time or every few weeks; your boat needs a freshwater rinse every time it leaves the water. This rinse will keep saltwater from crystalizing and becoming stuck to your boat, eager to scratch and cause oxidation.

Brave the Waves, Brave the Wash

Life is never all work and no play, and neither is boating. Keeping your boat looking fresh, clean, and undamaged is the best practice, and it really doesn’t take too much work. By just incorporating a few simple steps into your boating routine, you’ll be the shiniest vessel out there for years to come!

Learn how to restore gel coat in the video below!