How to clean and winterize the hull and deck of your boat?
By The ABNET® Technical Team |Last update | Reading time: 8 min
Because the marine environment puts boats to the test, regular maintenance and winterizing your boat require technical solutions that meet the challenges. Salt deposits, limestone deposits on the waterline, persistent yellow algae, oxidation of the hull, or fouling of the rigging: each area of your boat requires a specific treatment. A French manufacturer of high-performance cleaning solutions, ABNET offers you a comprehensive step-by-step guide for cleaning, degreasing, defrosting, and effectively preparing your hull, deck, and cabin before winter storage.
The end of the nautical season marks the time for winterizing the boat and for a major overhaul of your vessel. Among the salt deposits, the limestone deposits, the persistent yellow paint on the waterline, the rust marks from the hull fittings and the encrustations on the skys or anti-slip decks, a methodical maintenance of the gelcoat and the upholstery is essential to preserve the value of your boat.
A French manufacturer specializing in high-performance degreasers since 1993, ABNET develops technical formulations specifically adapted to the constraints of the marine environment.
Here is the step-by-step guide for cleaning, degreasing and preparing your boat for winter storage.
- Eliminate hull yellowing and rust
- Deeply degrease marine surfaces (gelcoat and deck)
- Maintaining highly corroded metals and fittings
- Cleaning and sanitizing the cabin and the interior of the boat
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Hivernage Nautique
1. Eliminate the yellowing of the hull and the rust
UV exposure, the oxidation of seawater, microalgae and limestone create a very unsightly yellow coating on the waterline, sometimes accompanied by rust deposits caused by screws and metal parts of the scaffolding.
The solution: Apply the’ABNET Original Boat De-icing Cover.
Targeted action Formulated specifically for gelcoat and marine paint, it instantly dissolves yellow paint and removes rust stains without attacking the substrate or requiring aggressive sanding.
User manual Spray directly onto the waterline or rusty areas, leave on for 30 seconds to 1 minute without allowing it to dry, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Packaging Available in 1 L and 5 L canisters (ready to use).
2. Deeply degrease marine surfaces (gelcoat and deck)
Once the de-icing has been completed, the gelcoat, the deck, and the upholstery must be freed of the organic film embedded in them (salt, exhaust fumes, grease, road dust) accumulated over several months at sea during the boat’s wintering period.
The solution : Use the Degreasing Cleaner ABNET Original Boat.
Versatility & efficiency This multipurpose cleaner can be used on all washable surfaces on the boat (gelcoat, stainless steel, anti-slip decks, teak, fenders, bowsprigs, biminis and skai/fabric sails). It incorporates a renovation effect and an electrostatic process that restores the original color and delays re-soiling.
Formats & Dilutions :
- Ready-to-use (800 mL) Ideal for quick maintenance, localized stain treatment or cleaning of the upholstery.
- Concentrated to dilute (1 L and 5 L) Perfect for cleaning the bridge and hull thoroughly with the bridge brush. Dilute between 5 % and 10 parts % in water depending on the level of dirt.
3. Maintenance of highly corroded metals and fittings
The salty environment causes severe metal attacks. The end of fishing lines, water-rigging trailers, parts of the rigging and propellers accumulate rust, metal deposits and grease encrustations.
The solution Apply the renovation degreaser ABNET TX.
Striking and renovating action This concentrated, high-performance cleaner is specifically formulated to dissolve thick fats, remove lime scale and metal deposits, while restoring the shine of painted surfaces and metals damaged by weathering.
Use : Dilute according to the level of soiling, apply to the metal parts or the trailer body, let it work for a while then rinse with high pressure or water jet.
Packaging Available in 5 L, 20 L, 220 L and IBC 1000 L.
4. Clean and sanitize the cabin and the interior of the boat
During the winter months on board, the humidity in the cabin promotes the growth of odors and bacteria. It is essential to use healthy, effective products that respect both the occupants and the onboard water circuits.
Dining areas, kitchens and cooking surfaces
The solution : use the spray ABNET Proflash Soft.
Safety & Eco-Design This ready-to-use detergent-degreaser is phosphate-free and formulated for safe use. It is compatible with the cleaning of materials and objects intended to come into contact with food. Rinse with potable water or steam. It degreases cooking plates, worktops, heaters and square tables without leaving any traces or harmful chemical residues.
Packaging Ready-to-use spray 800 mL and 5 L bottle.
Sanitary fixtures, cabins, woodwork and hard surfaces
The solution Choose the multipurpose cleaner ABNET Harmony.
Eco-responsible certification : Labelled EU Ecolabel, ABNET Harmony ensures effective cleaning of hard surfaces: sanitary fixtures, tiles, interior woodwork and floors. Its formula meets the strict criteria of the EU Ecolabel, particularly regarding biodegradability and toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Economical dosages :
- Normal application: dilute only 1 % to 2 % (i.e., 10 to 20 mL per liter of water) for soils and 17% to 20% for other surfaces.
- Apply to a sponge or microfiber cloth, then wipe off.
Available formats 1 L bottle and 5 L canister.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Hivernage Nautique
How to unseal a boat hull without damaging the gelcoat?
The use of too acidic detergents not suitable for nautical use can weaken the resin structure of the gelcoat.’ABNET Original Boat Déjaunissant Coque is specially formulated to dissolve limestone and oxidation while preserving the support.
Can the Original Boat cleaner be used on the skai and exterior trim?
Yes, the Degreasing Cleaner ABNET Original Boat It is compatible with coated fabrics, marine sails, sun loungers and biminis. It removes sun oil stains, grime and salinity without drying out the materials.
Which product should I use to safely degrease the boat's kitchen?
The spray ABNET ProFlash Soft It is ideal for the side-of-the-kitchen use. Safe for food contact, phosphate-free and composed of 98 % natural ingredients, it effectively degreases all preparation surfaces.
Where are ABNET detergents manufactured?
100% French people: ABNET products are formulated, manufactured and packaged on our industrial site based in Vénéjan in the Gard (30).
About the author
A French manufacturer based in Vénéjan (Gard), ABNET® has been developing and producing high-performance professional detergents since 1993. Our technical experts design degreasing formulas that are peel-off to ensure impeccable and safe maintenance of recreational vehicles without compromising sensitive materials.