Being a passionate boating family since three generations, we are very familiar with all the joys -and sorrows- that come with boat ownership. Along with our superior automotive care we have traditionally developed and nurtured a high level of competence with regard to all facets of boat and yacht maintenance.
Although a well-maintained fiberglass boat lasts for many years, you should know the weaknesses of the material. Its sensitivity to UV radiation leads to the chalking of the gelcoat. This leads to loss of gloss, increasing sensitivity to dirt up to the decay of the gelcoat surface to a powder. Regular care with polish and wax, however, can slow down this process for many years.
Unlike fiberglass boats, wooden boats require more care and maintenance because wood can absorb or release moisture, making it either swell or shrink. As wood is working, paint and wood coatings have to allow sufficient flexibility to sustainably protect the wood from moisture and rotting.
Because of its high strength and flexibility, steel is mainly used for the hull construction and the construction of larger yachts and ships, while aluminum is often used for weight-saving superstructures on steel ships. Both metals corrode, albeit in varying degrees, and should be protected with a good paint system.
Teak has always been a very popular material in boat building for deck planking and interior and exterior fittings. Naturally oily, teak does not rot, this is due to the contained silica within, which is particularly resilient. Outdoors, however, teak decks and teak furniture pollute and/or get greyish over time. With the right teak care products they can be repeatedly cleaned and restored to their original wood colour; another reason for teak being such a valuable timber.
Quick Detailing Sprays are ideal for the care in between or whenever the time is short. Swissvax鈥?Lotos Speed, for example, is a Quick Detailing Spray for multiple surfaces such as fiberglass (gelcoat), painted surfaces, lacquered woods, metals, glass and plastics.pray on wipe off convenience with excellent sealing properties leaving the surfaces slippery as a fish! Gives excellent results on (specially dark!) gelcoat hulls, too.