Owning the boat that’s the envy of all the others in the harbour doesn’t happen by accident – it takes proper planning and maintenance. So, here’s how to select the right equipment and products you’ll need to get that ‘wow’ factor, whether you’re taking your boat out on fishing trips, leisure cruising or embarking on a family vacation.

A topcoat maintenance programme will ensure the aesthetic look of your boat remains pristine all the way through the boating season and beyond. To start, it’s essential you have the correct equipment for the job to keep your surfaces looking their best for longer.

For instance, did you know your choice of cleaning products can adversely impact the durability and quality of coatings? The aim is to select cleaning products that are PH neutral, as anything too acidic or alkali can have detrimental effects. Most household cleaners are not PH neutral.

Products containing bleach may leave permanent stains, even from splashes, so take extra care if these are being used. Metal polish will also damage painted surfaces, so if it’s used, ensure that it’s fully rinsed off before proceeding with further cleaning. Brushes should have soft bristles, while natural sponges are best. Avoid abrasion pads at all costs.

Higher temperatures, such as in the summer, can soften paint, leading to damage when routine cleaning takes place. If you can, carry out cleaning and maintenance when the temperatures are a little lower, such as early mornings or after dusk.

Once you have the correct equipment, you need the right products to use on your surfaces. Awlwash 2.0 is a gentle detergent cleaner, part of the industry-leading Awlgrip family of products produced by AkzoNobel. It washes and cleans to prevent dirt and grease build-up. Depending on the job to be done, it can be diluted as required. After cleaning, always rinse thoroughly.

Step two is to apply Awlcare, a protective polymer sealer, that polishes to a gleaming shine while containing no harsh abrasives. It’s non-yellowing and its effects will last through multiple washes. For best results, repeat use of Awlcare builds up protection against the harshest conditions.

Richard Jennings, AkzoNobel’s Global Technical Manager Yacht, says: “The boat that’s the envy of all the others in the harbour isn’t necessarily the newest or the biggest – it’s the best maintained. Existing coatings can look fantastic for a very long time if maintained and protected carefully.

“Both Awlwash 2.0 and Awlcare have been specifically formulated to maximise the lifespan of your topcoat. They are the safest and most effective protection around.”

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