boat cleaning

[whitewavebavaria]

I'm new to the forum. I've had my Bavaria 34 on the South Coast (white wave) for just over 2 years now and due to work commitments, I now have less time to spend on the boat. She's just starting to lose her shine and looks a bit grubby. Can anyone help me -are there any good boat cleaning companies about and how expensive are they?

Many Thanks

 

[Cutter]

Wow - an off white Bavaria - lets see how much fun this causes.
Welcome new user - do fill in your bio a bit and you'l get more response. Tell us where you areif you want advice such as this.
Dont be too worried if you get a lot of AWB/Bavaria comments.....

 

[zefender]

Welcome to the forum! Cutter's right of course about some banter from non-bav owning, jealous types (though with a Dehler, he's pretty much from the same mould!)

Where is the boat grubby?

You might have some black streaks running down the hull caused by water collecting at one point and running over the toerail. Stuff for this is (amazingly) Black Streak Remover, from StarBrite, I think.

Washing up liquid will work on exhaust 'stains'. The vinyl rubbing strip on the transom is a real pain. I suggest a strongish cut for this like T-cut and then a wax but, to be frank, this is very difficult to keep pristine. For the topsides, Bavs have areas of glossy gelcoat and then non-slip areas. Some of the latter are actually shiny too whereas some (mine included) are matt with a silly indented diamond shape which I've given up on trying to keep clean. For the glossy stuff, any GRP cleaner (a very gentle cut) topped off with a wax will do the job, having washed it properly first natch. You'll probably find the transom needs a bit more elbow grease but avoid the temptation of anything too harsh. There's no real wonder product for this - just trial and error. Any swindlery has tons of different products though the price varies considerably. Not sure whether you've teak decks or not. If so, do a search, in particular for TCM's wonder product from Wessex chemicals I think.

Hope this helps

 

[jamesjermain]

Sounds like you're looking for a professional boat valeting company. Most of the largter marinas in the central southern region (Poole to Chichester) and many of those beyond, have such companies serving the immediate neighbourhood. If there are no cards up in the local chandlery or marina office, ask the staff. Also the local boatyard will be able to do the job.

As for cost, I have no idea except that it will be more than I am prepared to pay.

 

[zefender]

Sorry, I should have read your post more carefully. I agree with James that you should see lots of cards from valeting companies. I'd be inclined to check what products they are using though because the beautiful shiny boat on day one may not look quite the same a month later, after being worked over with energy saving but rather harsh chemicals.

 

[hlb]

 

[tcm]

this is indeed the stuff. Too expensive for valeting companeis who always give the boat a bit too much of a biffing for my liking.

 

[Dave99]

drop me a PM with your details