Are you an avid angler who uses your new angling boat frequently throughout the year? If so, you may want to create a cleaning checklist to keep your boat shining for years to come. After each of your fishing expeditions, make sure to clean the following 5 items.

1.     Exterior & Interior

It’s important to pay attention to the outside of your boat as much as you clean the inside of your boat. This is essential especially when in brackish or salt water. The salt can corrode your boat and form pox, along with causing chalking and pitting. Cleaning your boat after every trip may seem like a hassle but it is the best way to maintain your boat and keep it running long term.

2.     Livewells

Cleaning your livewells is important to prevent stains, but also smells. This will not only keep you happy, but also the fish you catch. However, make sure you use a non-toxic product in this section of your boat so that you don’t hurt the fish you store in there on your next fishing trip.

3.     Gear & Consoles

The salty air and misty waves can end up leaving residue and grit on your console and electronics. It is important to identify exactly what these are on your center console fishing boat and use the proper cleaning materials that will ensure you don’t cause more harm than good. You also want to make sure that when you are cleaning the screens on your electronics that you do it gently and in a side-to-side manner so that you don’t scratch your screens with the gritty residue.

4.     Vinyl Boat Seats

Cleaning your seats properly is critical to prevent mildew and discoloration. Sitting in the sun, being covered in a variety of sunscreens, consistent exposure to salt water and more can be harsh for your favorite captain’s chair. With a simple clean after each journey, you will ensure a comfortable pristine chair that looks as good as the day you bought it for years to come.

5.     Trailer

Most people will forget to clean their trailer, after they took the time to clean their boat. The trailer is also important because it is the one encountering the dirt roads, bugs, and road debris. Keeping it clean will help keep your boat clean and prevent avoidable scratches. While you are down there, don’t forget to check your tire pressure!

All in all, nothing is better than a day on the water. Just make sure you allocate the proper amount of time needed to properly clean your angling boat and prep it for the next day at sea. These simple cleaning steps can keep your Young Boat looking as good as the day you bought it for years to come.