If you’ve been down to your boat lately and thought it looked dirtier than usual, you’re not imagining it. Over summer, those warm northerly storms carry fine desert dust, which then falls in what we call ‘red rain’. That dust settles into the nooks and crannies on your decks, topsides and fittings, and when the water dries out, it bakes on hard and can be incredibly difficult to remove. Recently this was compounded by bushfire ash, blowing in from hundred of miles away and landing onboard our boats uninvited. Unfortunately, if it’s left untouched for more than a week, this residue can easily stain surfaces and decks, making even a new yacht look old before its time.
It’s more than cosmetic
The problem is, that red rain doesn’t just sit on the surface. As the rainwater runs and dries, fine particles settle into winches, tracks, blocks and other moving parts onboard. Mixed with salt blowing in from the bay, this all creates extra friction and wear, especially on lines and ropes. Over time, this can lead to stiff gear, corrosion or equipment letting you down when you need it most.
How to tackle it
If it’s been there for a few days and has become baked on, it’s important to be gentle and patient so you don’t damage or scratch any surfaces, as once that’s happened you’ll never get them shiny again. Start by thoroughly rinsing the area with fresh water to soften and loosen the residue. Letting it soak for a bit before you touch it with a brush makes a big difference, so take your time before you get stuck in. When it’s softened up nicely, use a soft to medium deck brush or sponge, rather than anything too hard or abrasive, and work from the top down. Never use a scourer or domestic scrubbing brush! For detergent, a marine-safe boat wash designed for decks and gelcoat is best, as it helps lift the dirt without stripping protection or damaging finishes. Scrub gently, rinse often, and repeat if needed, rather than trying to get it all off in one go. Once clean, a final fresh water rinse is essential to remove any soap residue, and applying a protective wash or surface treatment can help repel dirt and make the next clean much easier.
Protecting your enjoyment and your investment
Ideally, on those days that are perfect to get out on the water, you want to be able just arrive at the marina, step onboard and go, not start your day with a hose and a brush. And let’s be honest, keeping your yacht clean can feel relentless. You wash it down, feel good about it, and a few days later it’s dirty again. It’s pretty frustrating, especially when you’d much rather be heading out to enjoy a day on the water than scrubbing decks.
Having said that, it’s so important to keep on top of this. A well cared for yacht holds its value better, ages more gracefully and performs more reliably. When your asset’s kept in top condition, it’ll serve you better for longer. Plus regular cleaning and maintenance means your yacht’s always ready when the weather window opens, so you can spend your time cruising, sailing or relaxing instead of doing the hard work. The best solution is to pop down and do a quick rinse as soon as possible after a North wind day or summer downpour: that’s far easier than trying to remove hardened grime weeks later. Little and often really does make a difference, even though it’s a bit of a hassle.
We’re here to help
We get it though – sometimes you don’t live locally, or you’ve got other busy demands on your time, so popping down to the boat regularly just isn’t possible. At Inspire Marine, we understand the unglamorous side of boat ownership as well as the fun, so our ongoing maintenance packages are designed to take this stress off your hands, whatever size or type of yacht you have. From regular rinsing and cleaning through to mechanical checks, repairs and troubleshooting, we tailor our support so your boat stays in great shape all season long.
If you’d like to enjoy your boat more and worry about it less this year, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to chat about the best way to keep your pride and joy looking and performing at its best.
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