Use a two-bucket wash with grit guards

Single-bucket washing grinds salt and grit back into gelcoat — the main cause of swirl marks.

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Why this matters

Single-bucket washing grinds salt and grit back into gelcoat — the main cause of swirl marks.

No regrets: Never use household dish soap as your primary wash — it strips wax and dries vinyl.

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.

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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.