Waxing your boat’s hull is among the most important maintenance items you’ll be tasked with as a boat owner. Wax protects against corrosion and chemical breakdown from salt, as well as against barnacles and other organic buildups that can cling to the hull below the surface of the water.
Waxing Dos and Don’ts
You should never wax the bottom of a boat. Waxing is supposed to slow it down because it actually increases the surface area, and with water, more surface area equals more drag. For the most part, you can use your best judgment for how often to wax your boat, but most experts will recommend waxing every three or four months.
The hull is the best and most important part of a boat to wax. The areas that you should not wax are inside the gunwales, where you will find cleats, stanchions, and other metal fittings that constantly rub against them while in use, and the bottom edges of the transom, which could lead to a "chap" on the bottom of your hull.
The wax coating will make it easier to get the gunk off and wash almost invisible problems, like salt, which can harm the boat as she sits in the sun, waiting for you to return. Waxing is also quality time with your boat, allowing you to identify stress cracks or more serious damage early on.
Additional Coats of Wax?
If you have already applied one coat of wax, applying a second may remove most of the previously applied wax. Hence, one coat of wax is often sufficient for the best results.
The best way to minimize gelcoat staining is to seal and protect it with a good quality wax or polish, then follow up with regular washdowns. A recommended product is VS721, an anti-fouling bottom wax, for preventing algae on pontoon boats.
Maintenance Tips
You can wax a boat in the sun—heat helps the wax spread evenly. Use quality boat wax as car wax can damage the boat’s finish. Regular washdowns after every outing are advised, and wax as far down the hull as comfortable with the boat on trailer. Once a year, crawl underneath and wax the whole hull.
Wax the hull twice a year for excellent protection against marine life and conditions. Marine wax is durable against saltwater, barnacle attachment, algae, and oil buildup, and it also makes cleaning easier since dirt sticks less to waxed surfaces.
Waxing should be done every three to four months, especially if the boat is used often and kept outside. Sunny conditions necessitate more frequent waxing. Wax your boat to protect graphics, seal out scum/mildew, and keep the finish fresh. The waxing frequency depends on exposure to the sun and debris. Garage-kept boats may only need yearly waxing, whereas boats kept year-round on the water may need waxing every three to four months.