Secrets to keep your boat like new
Recently we exhibited at a boat show with a 2006 Seawind 1160 named “Antidote” owned by Greg Irvine, but this boat didn’t present like a six year old boat but rather like a beautiful brand new boat. Most of the visitors to the boat show were blown away by just how stunning the boat appeared, especially when they were told that it was not a new boat. So I asked Greg to share his secrets on how he has kept his boat in such beautiful condition, and these are his top tips:
Internals: Protect rather than Repair
You need to protect the interior of the boat from UV and general wear and tear. For all flat table areas with polished timber surfaces, purchase a roll of clear PVC sheet and cut to the shape of the surfaces. Though this may bubble at first, over time the bubbles will disappear and it will look presentable, plus you can throw the PVC away and replace it as it gets scratched. Your timber table still looks new many years later.
Use non-skid mats on all other working surfaces, such as in the galley plus keep 3 or 4 small cutting boards handy for preparing food. Never work directly on the surfaces as they will scratch and eventually need polishing back.
Buy a cotton throw-over sheet for the saloon upholstery when you are not using the boat to prevent fading of the fabric over time, plus attach all screens to windows when not using the boat.
The key to all of this is to preserve the original quality of the boat without letting UV or general wear and tear have its way. You will be amazed what a difference it makes after a few years.
External Routine
In about one or two days, twice a year, there are a few things that can be done to the deck and fiberglass external surfaces to bring the boat back like new.
On all stainless steel surfaces and extra stubborn stains, use “Drifter – Septone hull cleaner and stain remover” diluted with water and scrub on with an every day kitchen brush. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off with fresh water, preferably with a high pressure gernie to prevent any streaky marks forming. This product will remove any surface rust on the stainless or in the gelcoat.
On the non-skid surfaces, use a product called “Starbright – nonskid deck cleaner with PTEF”. Hose down the deck so it is wet, then drip some of this on the deck and scrub with a broom or scrubbing brush, then wash or gernie clean.
Once a year, have a professional cut and polish the rest of the boat, then the next day apply a 3M marine wax by painting on and buffing. The cut will bring back the brightness while the wax builds up a protective layer and makes the boat shine like
new. Note: Make sure the detailers do not polish over stainless steel and then move onto fiberglass surfaces, as this will stain the gelcoat grey, until its next cut.
Underwater and Mechanics
Apply two coats of Micron Extra antifouling each year, plus apply Propspeed antifoul to the propellers. Remove the propellers to check the bearings and bushes. Replace anodes around the prop and saildrive.
On the engine, change the oil in the saildrive leg and in the motor. Always replace the water pump impeller and water seal, which are both very inexpensive items but can save replacing the entire water pump if they fail.
Greg also has a very useful detailed log book of every item ever replaced or serviced on his boat to provide a reference guide that he or future owners can use when servicing the boat.
Greg’s Seawind 1160 “Antidote” is currently for sale and available for immediate delivery. For more information CLICK HERE.
Disclaimer: Products and methods noted above are the recommendations by the owner. Multihull Central holds no liability.
