The Boat Cleaning Products and Techniques We Use in our series Tech Talk

I recently received an email from a new Sportsman owner who had been watching a few of our Tech Talk videos. He loved the content but had a simple, honest question that I hear more often than you’d think:

What cleaning products are you actually using in the videos?

He wasn’t looking for marketing fluff or a long list of recommended items. He just wanted to know what we use day in and day out when we’re washing boats at the factory, filming Tech Talk, or keeping our own boats looking right.

That email stuck with me, because it’s a great question.

We talk a lot about cleaning techniques in some of our Tech Talk episodes. We show how to wash a boat, how to protect it, how to clean upholstery and how to fight water spots. But we don’t always stop and spell out every single product on camera. So I figured this would be a good opportunity to put everything in one place and turn it into a resource owners can come back to anytime.

If you’re new to boating, new to Sportsman or just looking for a better routine, this may be exactly what you’re looking for.

When it comes to cleaning, most of what we use is pretty simple. We’re not chasing gimmicks or miracle products. We want things that work, don’t damage finishes and are easy to use on a regular basis. That’s why you’ll notice Star brite show up a lot in our cleaning process. It’s dependable, readily available and designed specifically for marine environments.

On the deck and non-skid areas, we use Star brite’s non-skid deck cleaner to break down dirt and grime without harming the texture. Once everything is clean, we’ll often follow it up with a spray-on non-skid deck wax that adds protection while still keeping the surface safe to walk on. It’s an easy step that helps the deck stay cleaner longer without turning it slick.

For the hull, the biggest thing we stress in Tech Talk is what not to use. Household soaps like Dawn will absolutely strip wax and leave your gelcoat unprotected. Instead, we use proper wash-and-wax soaps that clean while preserving the finish. In one of the episodes, you’ll see a wash-and-wax product sprayed on with a hose, which makes quick work of salt and grime. In that case, we used Turtle Wax Wash & Wax on the hull, followed by Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Detailer to add shine and protection once everything was clean. That extra step goes a long way in helping water bead up and keeping water spots from coming back.

Windshields are another area people ask about all the time. Yes, we do use Rain-X. The key is making sure the glass is actually clean before applying it. We’ll often scrub the windshield first using OrPine, then apply Rain-X, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe it off. When done right, it dramatically improves visibility and helps water roll off instead of sticking to the glass.

Upholstery might be the biggest surprise for a lot of owners. Sportsman boats use SiLeather for a reason. It’s UV resistant, stain resistant, mildew resistant and incredibly easy to maintain. In Tech Talk, we show just how simple it really is. Soap, water, a sponge and a quick rinse will take care of almost everything, from sunscreen to food messes to pollen. For tougher spots, OrPine works well when used gently with a soft brush or microfiber towel.

One question that comes up often is whether you should apply 303 Aerospace Protectant to the upholstery. The answer is no. SiLeather already has protection built into the material and additional conditioners or protectants aren’t necessary. Keeping it clean and dry is all it takes.

What I like most about these Tech Talk episodes is that they reflect how we actually use and care for our boats. There’s nothing overly complicated about it. Good products, the right tools and consistent cleaning make a huge difference over time.

Hopefully this clears up some of the questions around the products you’ve seen in the videos. And if you ever find yourself wondering, “What were they using in that episode?” now you’ve got a place to start.