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WATERSKI MagazineHaving trouble keeping things in tip-top shape both below and above the waterline? Here are 10 super hints to correct common problems associated with your boat's interior and fiberglass hull.
A dollop of Vaseline or a spritz of vegetable cooking spray will lubricate tough deck cushion snaps so that they go on and off with ease. A little extra petroleum jelly, when applied regularly, will protect snaps against corrosion too.
Lubricate stuck zippers on your boat canvas with a graphite pencil or wax candle.
Spray slippery deck canvas zippers with a lacquer hair spray. Allow them to dry and you'll find they stay closed longer.
A drop of clear nail polish will mend a windshield nick and help retard further damage. To clean the windows cheaply, but so they sparkle, use windshield washer fluid and newspaper.
Never hose down your instrument panel. This can force water into the gauges. Instead, wipe it down with a wet rag and gentle cleaner. Then, toss an old towel across the instruments to absorb the remaining water and provide a protective barrier against UV rays.
Store deck cushions out of the sun's harmful rays. Stand them with the zipper facing down, so any accumulated condensation can run out the zipper.
To remove a light layer of fiberglass hull oxidation (which looks like white dust), add three tablespoons of vinegar to a gallon of water and sponge down. As soon as you can, though, you must begin proper restoration.
To neatly repair a nick in vinyl hull striping, cut diagonal lines across the strip on either side of the nick with a razor. Heat with a blow dryer to warm the glue, then remove the nicked section. Cut a new tape section slightly larger than the old (to allow for shrinkage) and apply, overlapping the tapes.
To remove tar from your hull (from towing), spray with an oven cleaner, then sit back for 5-30 minutes (depending on tar thickness) and watch it eat away the stuff. Rinse off and repeat as necessary.
Is it taking forever to hand-dry your boat? It may not be your technique, but your rags. Many of today's fabrics are treated to deflect water, rather than soak it up. Old towels make the best rags. – Sandy Lindsey
