- Wax or protective polish on gelcoat once or twice a year.
- Covers are the cheapest protection for cushions, consoles and electronics.
- Rinse salt off regularly; salt plus sun speeds up wear.
- Check sealants and window seals: UV hardens them and leads to leaks.
Gelcoat
UV breaks down the surface of gelcoat, which turns dull and chalky, especially on coloured hulls. A clean, compound where needed, and a good wax or polymer protection once or twice a year keeps it in good condition and makes washing easier. Once gelcoat is heavily oxidised, restoration takes much more work.
Canvas, cushions and upholstery
- Use covers for cockpit cushions, helm seats and consoles when the boat is not in use.
- Choose marine-grade, UV-stable fabrics and threads when replacing upholstery; ordinary thread often fails before the fabric.
- Clean and treat vinyl and canvas with suitable products, not household cleaners.
Windows, hatches and sealants
Acrylic windows and hatches can craze, and sealants harden and crack after years of strong sun. Small cracks let rain and wash water in, which shows up later as stains, mould or soft wood. Have sealants checked and redone before they leak.
Check the stitching on your bimini and sprayhood every spring. Re-stitching with UV-resistant thread is far cheaper than a new cover.
Teak and wood
Sun dries teak and turns it grey. That is not necessarily a problem, but aggressive cleaning wears the wood away. See our separate guide on teak deck care.
Heat and electronics
Displays, chartplotters and batteries do not like heat. Use instrument covers, ventilate engine rooms and battery compartments, and avoid leaving the boat closed and airless in mid-summer.
Salt
Salt crystals on deck and stainless act like a magnifying glass for wear. A regular fresh-water rinse after use is the simplest protection there is. If you are away, a cleaning service can keep the boat rinsed and aired.
Krautic coordinates cleaning, polishing and upholstery work with vetted local professionals, with photos before and after.