First time boat owner...Washing down interior after use question

[DCrozier190]

Hi all,

New Sea Ray owner, and first time boat owner here. We just purchased a 2013 190 Sport. We're in the middle Chesapeake Bay area, so the water is brackish. My question is concerning the washing down of the interior of the boat after each use. After the water dries I see the salt stains on the seats and interior gel coat areas. Is it ok to just use fresh water and hose down the interior of the boat? Will water pool in the storage areas under the bow seats and the open storage area along the sides of the boat? I assume the instrument panel is water-proof. I just don't want to do more harm than good. Sorry for the rookie questions...There might be a few more :smt001....

Darren
Tilghman Island, MD

 

[JimFromMD]

Hi all,

New Sea Ray owner, and first time boat owner here. We just purchased a 2013 190 Sport. We're in the middle Chesapeake Bay area, so the water is brackish. My question is concerning the washing down of the interior of the boat after each use. After the water dries I see the salt stains on the seats and interior gel coat areas. Is it ok to just use fresh water and hose down the interior of the boat? Will water pool in the storage areas under the bow seats and the open storage area along the sides of the boat? I assume the instrument panel is water-proof. I just don't want to do more harm than good. Sorry for the rookie questions...There might be a few more :smt001....

Darren
Tilghman Island, MD

Hey Darren,
Welcome to the club and congrats on the new boat. I'm over in the south river just a bit north of you in the same brackish water. I wash the cockpit down (I dont keep my carpets installed) and wipe off my seats with fresh water and then dry them off with a microfiber towel. I try to avoid hosing anything electronic, in favor of wiping off with a wet rag and then drying off again. If you are a member at costco or sams club, they sell 20(ish) packs of the little microfiber towels and they are great for everything. They dry quickly, are washable, and last for quite a while (plus they're cheap so no biggie if they get gunked up). A fresh water rinse of everything exterior is good to get the salt off as well. That will help avoid corrosion and pitting, plus crud water marks. One thing also, if you are on a well over there as I think many are, make sure you get a filter (spot free rinse is a good one) to avoid getting iron water on your white hulls/decks. You'll dry with little rust spots.

Lastly, I do leave my helm seat compartment door open if I think water has gotten under there during washing, and also leave any storage locker open if you stow wet lines etc. Just helps to avoid any smells from wet stuff mildewing.


James.
(Oh and come up to Kent narrows by water or land on the 7-9 to say hello to everyone at the Middle Chesapeake gathering).
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/57162-2013-Chesapeake-Bay-Gathering

 

[DCrozier190]

Hey Jim, Thanks great information. All makes sense. A quick follow up question about the 'Spot Free Rinse' product. I did a web search. Is this product one of those canister and/or tank style items that you just have at your slip or is there a simipler style product available? Thanks again!

I did see the the Chesapeake Bay gathering at Kent Narrows...We might try to get up there to check it out.

Thanks!

Darren

 

[JimFromMD]

Hey Jim, Thanks great information. All makes sense. A quick follow up question about the 'Spot Free Rinse' product. I did a web search. Is this product one of those canister and/or tank style items that you just have at your slip or is there a simipler style product available? Thanks again!

I did see the the Chesapeake Bay gathering at Kent Narrows...We might try to get up there to check it out.

Thanks!

Darren

The one we got for my folks (well water on the pier) is the black tube for the softener and it has a pre filter canister for catching the bigger iron flakes. The pre filter takes a hottub filter cartridge replacement. We got it at one of the Baltimore boat shows at a discount but really like it. If you dont have iron water, give it a go without the filter. Our well doesnt get used that much there are occasions when it will run murky rusty orange out of the hose. Once it gets going for the season, it's usually pretty clear, but you can still smell the iron, and also see occasionally see where a water drop dried rusty and is slightly off color. The sun fades it, so its no big deal in the end.


Here's a link to the one they have.
http://www.spotfreeh2o.com/index.php

This one claims to be better:
http://www.portablewaterdi.com/deionizers.php#otg2sdi

 

[ospreytrainer01]

I usually bring the hose in the boat, take out the bow cushions and hose/wipe it down. I avoid spraying to much in the carpeted storage areas. Also i wash the ski locker (remove the rubber mat), and bilge (eng area). Keep the glove box closed and avoid anything electronic (speakers) if possible. After drying I use an interior spray vinyl cleaner with uv block in it. 2nd season with the boat and still looks brand new