Cleaning & Chemicals

Owning a boat should be about freedom, fun, and maybe a little adventure. It shouldn't mean constant repairs and a drained wallet. But if you’re new to boating, it can feel like every minor issue turns into a major expense. The good news is that some of the most annoying problems are actually easy and inexpensive to fix.

Seasoned boat owners know a few clever tricks that can save time, money, and frustration. Whether it’s a mildew-stained seat, a leaky hatch, or electronics that cut out at the worst time, there's often a quick fix that doesn't require a full-blown repair job.

If you're a hands-on type or just want to stretch your budget, these seven cheap fixes can help you get more enjoyment out of your boat with less hassle.

Vinyl seats and cushions are magnets for mildew, especially if your boat stays uncovered or gets a lot of splash time. It starts with a little discoloration, then suddenly everything looks stained and smells off. A lot

You step aboard, ready for a peaceful day on the water… and then it hits you. A musty, funky, maybe-even-a-little-sulfuric smell that makes you question if something crawled into your bilge and gave up on life. You're not imagining it - boats have a way of developing strange, persistent odors that range from mildly annoying to full-blown gag-inducing.

The good news? You're far from alone, and most boat smells have common causes with straightforward fixes. Whether it’s mildew hiding in cushions, stagnant water in the bilge, or something more sinister lurking in your freshwater tank or head system, we’re going to help you sniff out the source and show you exactly how to deal with it.

In this guide, you’ll learn why your boat smells weird, what to do about it right now, and how to keep those odors from ever coming back. From quick DIY cleaning tips to the right products for the job, we’ve got your nose (and your sanity) covered.

Before

After sitting for the offseason, you finally reach the day when you can pull your boat out of storage.  It's an exciting moment - that is, until you realize all of the cleaning and maintenance that needs to be done!  One of the most common and most frustrating issues for boats coming out of storage is the preponderance of mold and mildew.  The stuff seems to find every nook and cranny on the vessel to develop and spread.  

There are two components to dealing with mold and mildew on your boat.  In order to curb that frustration in the future, proper prevention of mold & mildew is key.  But once it happens, there are also key steps and supplies to use in order to clean up any mold or mildew lurking on your boat.

There are a few key factors that can help you avoid mold and mildew from becoming a big problem on your boat.

• The key to preventing mold and mildew from developing on your boat is by keeping it dry as much as possible.  This probably

If you're reading this, then you probably already appreciate the satisfaction that comes with a lifestyle out on the water.  Boating is a fun recreation, and so many boats these days really SHINE.  There's so much chrome and stainless steel and aluminum on boats that can make them stand out at the dock or on the lake.  However, it's important to maintain these metal surfaces on your boat.  After all, no one wants to be driving the boat into the harbor that is covered in rust and oxidation.

What causes metal surfaces on my boat to corrode?

The marine environment can be a harsh one - especially when you're boating in saltwater.  There are several factors that can contribute to corrosion and oxidation of the metal surfaces on your boat.  That's why it is so important that your boat is constructed with durable metal alloys that can resist these corrosive agents, and also why it is so important that you are regularly cleaning and maintaining these surfaces.   Some factors that

When you are working on your boat, it's important that you have the right tools and supplies to do the job.  But what if you don't know what those right supplies are?  3M offers a variety of marine adhesives and sealants that are all high quality, but each type serves a different purpose and should be used for the proper application.  In this article, we will cover the main types of 3M marine adhesives and sealants, and explain the proper use for each.

Terminology

Before we dive into the specific types of sealants available, a brief overview of some terminology may be helpful. 

First, fast-cure or FC refers to certain 3M sealants that cure quickly.  These should be used for applications where you need to fix something quickly.  If the boat is going to be hitting the water soon, you will want to opt for a fast cure sealant.  These typically are completely cured within 24 hours.  The drawback is that while they will provide a strong and durable seal, they may not be quite as

Containing mildew on your boat is an ongoing battle with no definitive end.  As long as your boat is exposed to water, you’ll need to take measures to mitigate and slow the spread of mildew.  Particularly during periods of longer storage, mildew has a chance to spread throughout a cabin or engine room.  It’s not just an uncomfortable smell, though.  Mildew and mold can be unhealthy and toxic, so it is important to do what you can to eliminate them. 

Open Up the Hatches

One of the best ways to prevent or mitigate the potential for mildew is by creating lots of ventilation on your boat.  In other words, open up the hatches and portholes.  Make sure you have vents (like cowls, dorades, louvered vents, clamshell vents or so on) that are connected to below-deck spaces for proper ventilation.  Inspect that those vents and the ducting are clear of debris.  There should be a clear path for fresh air to enter the interior spaces of the boat.  You can also ventilate smaller spaces