Use a two-bucket wash with grit guards
Single-bucket washing grinds salt and grit back into gelcoat — the main cause of swirl marks.
Why this matters
Single-bucket washing grinds salt and grit back into gelcoat — the main cause of swirl marks.
When DIY is not enough
Annual clay-bar, machine polish, and sealant belong in a professional detail cycle for boats stored outside year-round. Club members receive a free annual detail on qualifying vessels.
DIY steps
- Fill one bucket with marine wash solution, one with clean rinse water.
- Wash top-down; rinse mitt in the clean bucket before reloading soap.
- Work in sections and keep the hull wet — never wash dry gelcoat in direct sun.
- Follow with a quick spray wax or detailer if you won't full wax this month.
Related FTM services
- Premium Detailing
Professional mobile service
Rather have a pro handle it?
Full Throttle Marine comes to your dock in Tampa Bay and on the First Coast. Flat-rate quoted before we arrive. Yamaha and Mercury outboard specialists — no trailers, no waiting rooms.
Common questions
Use a two-bucket wash with grit guards
Single-bucket washing grinds salt and grit back into gelcoat — the main cause of swirl marks. Never use household dish soap as your primary wash — it strips wax and dries vinyl.
When should I call a professional instead?
Annual clay-bar, machine polish, and sealant belong in a professional detail cycle for boats stored outside year-round. Club members receive a free annual detail on qualifying vessels.
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