Fiberglass boats are revered for their lightweight construction, sleek appearance and smooth, stable ride. However, their fiberglass surface and gelcoat finish make them more prone to UV damage, oxidation, cracks, chips, blisters and water spots, if not properly maintained.
To keep your fiberglass boat looking like new for many years to come, it’s important to gently clean and wax your boat regularly, address minor cracks and damage promptly, and follow these fiberglass boat maintenance tips from the boat restoration experts at Reets Boatworks & Marina on Great Sacandaga Lake.
Expert Maintenance Tips for Fiberglass Boats
Follow these expert tips to preserve your fiberglass boat’s appearance, performance and value,
- Regular Washing – Wash your boat frequently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge and mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive products that can damage the gelcoat.
- Rinsing & Drying – After washing each section, rinse with freshwater to remove any soap residue, and dry the boat’s surface with a microfiber towel or chamois to prevent water spots.
- Waxing & Storage – Apply a high-quality marine wax to protect the gelcoat from UV damage and oxidation, and store your boat with a boat cover or canopy to protect it from the elements.
- Polish & Buffing – For heavily oxidized or dull surfaces, use a gelcoat restorer and a clean microfiber cloth or buffer to restore the fiberglass surface to a high gloss finish.
- Damage Repair – Regularly inspect the hull of your fiberglass boat for cracks, chips or gelcoat blisters and repair them promptly to prevent larger, more costly repairs in the future.
When to Hire a Professional for Fiberglass Boat Maintenance & Repairs
While cleaning, waxing and minor gelcoat repairs can usually be handled on your own with DIY repair kits, cracks that extend beyond the gelcoat into the fiberglass, or soft spots in the hull, could indicate structural damage that requires professional assessment and repair.
Likewise, if the gelcoat damage spans a larger area, you’ll want to hire a fiberglass boat restoration expert with specialized tools to achieve a seamless and professional finish.
Fiberglass Boat Restoration on Great Sacandaga Lake
If your fiberglass boat is in need of professional restoration, Reets Boatworks can help. We provide comprehensive fiberglass boat repair and restoration on Great Sacandaga Lake, including custom marine paint services, fiberglass and gelcoat repairs, custom canvas and upholstery restoration, aluminum and stainless-steel fabrication, and complete boat engine repair, mechanical fittings, re-fits and re-power.
Our full-service boat shop is open year-round and is conveniently located on Lakeside Drive in Mayfield, NY. Request a quote or call (518) 332-3629 for expert fiberglass boat repair and restoration services on Great Sacandaga Lake.