How to Protect Your Boat From Sun Damage

While the sun may keep us warm and allow plants to grow, it can cause some serious damage to your boat if you don’t take a few precautions. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to help prevent a hefty repair bill. Use these tips from East Coast Flightcraft Inc. to help protect your watercraft from sun damage.

Understanding the Sun's Impact

Since boats are designed to be used outdoors, they are built with some inherent protection against sun damage. However, these measures can only do so much. If you want to protect your vessel against the effects of heat and UV light, you need to keep it well-maintained. 

Understanding the Signs Of Sun Damage

The first step in protecting your boat from the sun is knowing how to spot sun damage in the first place. For example, you might notice that your boat’s colors have faded, or that small cracks have formed in the structure. Be on the lookout for parts of your boat that seem to be drying out. Perform regular inspections and don’t be afraid to take action if you spot something that looks like it might be wrong. 

Clean and Wax Your Boat

Waxing your boat creates a protective layer that can shield it from the effects of the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, waxing your boat can also take a lot of time and effort. That is why we suggest cleaning your boat before you start waxing. Since wax can more easily cling to a clean surface, this will make waxing your vessel much simpler. It is also important that you use a manufacturer-approved marine wash. Normal soaps will strip away the wax along with the dirt, which will in turn make your job that much more difficult. 

For more information or to shop new and pre-owned boats, visit East Coast Flightcraft Inc. We operate eight locations throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. We also offer rentals, financing, trade-ins, parts ordering, reconditioning, and other services. We are proud to serve the East Coast, and we hope to see you soon!