Interior Boat Maintenance Tips

Interior

Avoid leaving salon access door open while running at cruise speed, especially if salt spray is being pushed up the "station wagon" effect will pull salt air into the vessel interior and cause accelerated aging of interiors.
Vessels in our latitude should have a dehumidifier running in cabin, draining to a sink while boat is closed up. Dehumidifier mode on air conditioning unit does not perform the same function.

Windows

Inside of all windows should be cleaned on a weekly basis or as needed. Can be cleaned with a product such as Windex. Follow instructions on product label.
Do not spray cleaners directly on surface, always spray cleaner on cloth or paper towel first, and then wipe window clean. (Careful with tint)
Clean verticals, levelors and blinds once a month.

Carpets

Carpets should be vacuumed, weekly. Whenever the boat is used and there has been traffic over carpet it should be cleaned. In addition to regular maintenance the carpet should be professionally cleaned every six months.

Runners

Runners are great in protecting carpets from wear and will help prolong life of carpet. They do not take place of cleaning and should be removed when carpet is being cleaned and then replaced.

Furniture

Sofa's should be moved (if possible) to allow cleaning under and around every couple of months or depending on traffic and number of people onboard monthly. Cushions should be removed to allow access for cleaning.
Tables end tables, etc. Should be wiped off as needed due to use or dust. Use an approved cleaner for this purpose. Do not spray cleaners directly on surface, always spray cleaner on cloth or paper towel first, and then wipe down clean.

Audio and Video Equipment

Dust off or clean as needed due to dust. This is an area where lots of dust collects and needs attention. Make sure to clean under and around equipment. Do not spray any cleaner directly on equipment as this can damage the equipment. This equipment should be operated weekly.

Lockers

Lockers or cabinets need to be checked on a regular basis and keep neat and orderly.

Bar

This area must be kept clean at all times to avoid smells. All cabinets need to be kept neat. All liquor bottles need to be wiped off and stowed when not in use.

Galley:
Appliances

All equipment in galley must be kept clean and in working order. All door seals should be kept clean and free from mold and mildew.

Counter Tops

Should be cleaned after each use

Deck / Floors

All equipment in galley must be kept clean and in working order. All door seals should be kept clean and free from mold and mildew.

Sinks

Should be emptied of all dishes and/or glass at the end of each day and sink must be cleaned and wiped dry. Do not hang wash clothes or leave dish soap, brush or sponge on sink or counter overnight. Stow these items out of sight.

Draws and Cabinets

Drawers must be kept neat and items stowed in an orderly fashion. Do not throw items into drawers. NO JUNK DRAWERS.
Cabinets to be kept same as drawers. Plastic container or storage boxes work well to help these areas stay in order and looking neat.
Keeping small items ie., all salt/pepper, spices in a individual Tupperware containers, (To avoid a messy look inside cabinets)
Laminated list of all owner preferred groceries be kept on board in the galley (for spur of the moment trips).
Ice makers that are not used should be left off, if owner prefers kept on, and there is little use dump ice to allow machine to operate. Dormant icemaker should be run until full every 120 days.

Heads:
Showers

Showers are to be cleaned with the proper cleaner whenever guests have used them and their trip is over and they are gone. New soap should replace old soap bars.

Sinks

Sinks should be cleaned at the end of each cruise or working day if used. If soap bars are used they must be replaced. If liquid soap is used, check level of soap. Sinks that are gold plated need special care. Do not use cleaners like Windex or 409 on these finishes. Find the proper cleaner and use it as per instructed.

Toilets

Toilets need to be cleaned with the proper cleaner whenever guests have used them and their trip is over. If toilets are not used often then they should be flushed and cleaned every couple of days so water will not become stale and leave a ring in the toilet. Caution must be taken when using cleaners in toilets to avoid killing bacteria in the holding tank. Read the labels. Keep the proper amount of product such as Aqua-Keem in the holding tank to keep system working proper. Follow instructions on product label.
Chemical must be added to holding tank to limit odors.
Disinfect, fill and flush holding tanks every 120 days.

Counter Tops

To be cleaned at the end of each cruise or working day if used.

Toiletries

Fresh and unopened toiletries should replace used ones after each cruise.

Toilet Paper

Paper should be placed on holder with the paper pulling off the roll from the top. The first sheet should be folded at the end.

Decks

To be cleaned at the end of each cruise or working day if used.

Mirrors

To be cleaned as needed with proper cleaner. Follow instructions on product label.
Do not spray cleaner directly onto mirror, liquid can run under edge of mirror and discolor it. Always spray cleaner on cloth or paper towel first, and then wipe mirror clean.
Recommended product - Hi-Sheen

Towels / Wash Cloths

To be changed and laundered after each cruise or working day if used. Towels should be folded properly when stowed. Hang fresh towels before each cruise.

Staterooms:

Carpets cleaned and rooms dusted weekly or as needed if being used.
Fabric softener sheets can be tucked into air conditioning vents to put fresh scents into air.

General:

Tool kit, extra hose, clamps, jumper cables, sm battery charger, belts, spare fuel & oil filter, spare bulb, aft, extra engine oil, flash lights.
Check to make sure a basic or better 1st aid kit is onboard with fresh supplies.
Pressure wrist bands for motion sickness should be kept on board, several sets will make new guests very comfortable.
Cleaning supplies white bucket, white stiff, Bristol brush, blue, soft Bristol brush, 2 poles shamie mop, 2 shamies, knuckle brush, lacquer thinner, spray nine, soft scrub for non skid decks only, 50' white dock hose, plastic spray nozzle.
Sea Tow membership.

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