Techniques To Keep Your Boat Running Well 

And 

Looking Good

AFTER EVERY TRIP:
Flush the engine each time it’s used in salt water. Use “earmuffs” over the water intake and a freshwater hose.  Tilt engine and rinse underneath to prevent salt buildup.

Fill gas tank on the way back.  A full tank resists water build-up from condensation.

Wash entire boat and trailer using soap and water.  Zip Wax (by Turtle Wax) car wash soap contains wax and will not strip the wax from your boat.  Do not use bleach or SoftScrub except in emergencies.  Re-wax the affected area after using these harsh products.

Scrub the deck with a non-skid cleaner (Starbrite Deck Cleaner or the West Marine equivalent work well.)

Dry all the metal, glass and flat surfaces. Standing water will leave mineral deposits and etch surfaces.

Cover boat to protect it from sun and rain.

GENERAL CARE:
Wax the boat every few months to protect the finish from stains and UV damage.  A good coating of wax makes regular clean-up much easier.  Starbrite Boat Polish With Teflon, Maguire’s Flagship Wax and Collinite Fleet Wax are generally regarded as the best boat waxes.  Use Woody Wax on rails and (an extremely light coating) on molded non-skid.

Use Rain-X on glass.

Use ArmorAll Formula 2000 or 303 Protectant on plastic hatches.

Use Corrosion-X or Boeshield T-9 on all switches, wiring terminals and the engine.

Simple Green is an excellent general purpose cleaner for seats, cockpit, cabin, etc.

Every 75 hours: replace spark plugs, clean fuel filter, change lower unit oil, grease engine/drive via the zerc fittings and inspect everything. 

Every 150 hours or once a year replace the impeller and fuel-water separator.