As the owner of a yacht, you know that taking care of it is important to keep its look and worth. Taking care of your yacht's gel coat is one of the most important things you can do to keep its look. In this piece, we'll talk about what a gel coat is, how to take care of it properly, and why that's important. We'll also talk about things like buffing and waxing, mobile boat detailing, and yacht detailing, which are all connected.
What does Gel Coat mean?
A layer of glue is put on the outside of a boat to make a gel coat. It's what makes the boat look shiny and smooth. The gel coat also keeps the skin of the boat from getting damaged by UV rays, salt water, and other things in the environment.
How to Take Care of the Gel Coat on Your Yacht
1. Clean your boat often.
To take care of the gel coat on your boat, you should wash it often. Saltwater and other natural factors can cause dirt and grime to build up on the outside of your boat, which can damage the gel coat over time. You can gently scrub the outside of your boat with a mild soap and a soft-bristled brush. After you wash, make sure to rinse well with clean water.
2. Shine up your boat's gel coat.
If the gel coat on your boat looks dull or faded, buffing can bring back its shine. When buffing, a machine is used to apply a special compound to the gel coat. This removes a thin layer of the surface and shows the new, shiny layer underneath. Buffing should only be done by a company that specializes in boat detailing, as it requires special tools and knowledge.
3. The gel coat of your boat needs wax.
After washing and buffing the gel coat on your boat, it's important to put a coat of wax on it to protect it. Wax makes a barrier between the gel coat and the outside world. This keeps UV rays and seawater from damaging the gel coat. There are many kinds of wax, but for the best effects, you should use a high-quality marine wax. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for how to use the wax, and make sure to reapply it often to keep the protection.
4. Think about the Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a younger technology that protects better than old-fashioned wax. It is a liquid polymer that is put on the outside of the boat. This forms a durable, water-repelling layer that protects the gel coat from UV rays, saltwater, and other environmental factors. Ceramic Coating costs more than wax, but it lasts a lot longer and needs less upkeep.
5. Don't overlook the wood.
Don't forget about the teak while you're taking care of the gel coat on your boat. Teak is a famous wood that is used to make yachts. To keep it looking its best, it needs to be cared for regularly. The teak is cleaned and sanded, and then an oil or sealant is put on it. This is called teak restoration. For the best effects, this should be done by a professional yacht detailing company.
Benefits of Taking Care of Your Yacht's Gel Coat the Right Way
Taking good care of your yacht's gel coat has many perks, such as:
1. Maintaining the look of your boat: A yacht with a shiny, well-kept gel coat looks better and can be worth more when it comes time to sell it.
2. Protecting your boat from damage: The gel coat keeps UV rays, saltwater, and other environmental factors from hurting your yacht's hull. By taking care of your boat, you are helping it last longer.
3. Save money: by taking care of your yacht's gel coat on a regular basis. This can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. If the gel coat gets damaged, it can lead to bigger structural problems that can be expensive to fix.
4. Safety: Keeping the gel coat in good shape can also help keep you and your guests safe. If the gel coat gets damaged, it can make the hull weaker and make your boat less stable in rough water.
Mobile Boat Detailing and Yacht Detailing
If you don't feel safe taking care of the gel coat on your yacht yourself, there are many companies that can help. A popular choice is mobile boat detailing, which lets you have your yacht cleaned at your home dock or port. Yacht detailing companies give a variety of services, such as washing, buffing, waxing, and ceramic coating.
Canvasing
Care for the canvas covers that protect the inside of your boat is another important part of keeping it looking good. Just like your gel coat, canvas covers are open to the elements and need to be taken care of regularly to avoid damage. Canvasing means cleaning and fixing the canvas covers to keep them from fading, growing mold, or getting mildewy. Again, this is something that is best done by a company that specializes in boat detailing.
In conclusion, taking care of the gel coat on your boat is an important part of keeping its look and value. Regular washing, buffing, waxing, and ceramic coating can help keep UV rays, saltwater, and other environmental factors from damaging your boat. If you don't feel safe taking care of the gel coat on your yacht yourself, there are many companies that can help. To keep your boat looking its best, you should also take care of its teak and canvas covers. If you take good care of your boat, you will be able to use it for many years.