Lakesmarts: Properly clean boats to prolong life

Submitted by Lori Carlson

From the Prior Lake Association 

To keep a boat in timeless condition, wash and dry after use – it’s what you use with the elbow grease that makes the biggest difference.

Use marine-grade soap and polish. The advantage is that it removes oxidation and chalk while leaving behind a protective polymer coating, which also seals the surface.

Use a synthetic wax that blends UV protectants to repel water and reduce fading. They’re easy to apply; spray on, wipe dry.

Worst solutions for the long run: Do not use dishwashing soap, which opens pores in the fiberglass, allowing it to hold dirt and trap light instead of reflecting it.

Do not use ammonia-based cleaners. Window cleaners and household spray cleaners contain ammonia, which dissolves acrylic in vinyl, fiberglass and Plexiglas.

Do not use traditional paste wax, which will lack protectants to shield oxidation.

More boating care tips can be found at the Web site of Boating Life magazine, www.boatinglife.com.

In other lake news, the water clarity in upper Prior Lake, as of Wednesday, Oct. 29, has increased to 3½ feet. The lake elevation is 900.44. The surface water temperature was 48 degrees.

Enjoy your lake as we wind down the boating season.

 The Prior Lake Association can be reached via www.priorlakeassociation.org.