How to Clean a Jon Boat
Having spent over 26 years of running boats professionally I have come to realize there is on unavoidable truth – cleaning your boat is a vital aspect of long-term maintenance. A clean boat is not only a good-looking boat, it is also the boat most likely to provide many seasons of dependable service. By keeping the grease, grime and slime to a minimum you will maximize the life of any watercraft. Let me share some of tips on how, and why, you should clean your jon boat regularly.
Unfortunately, most of those that do understand a clean boat is a well-maintained boat do not understand how to clean effectively. They spray with a little water, wipe it dry (to avoid water spots) and start planning their next adventure. Yes, this may work IF your jon boat has been subjected to nothing more than a little everyday dirt and IF you only care about how it looks. But, if you want to clean and protect your boat it usually takes more than a little bit of soap and water…. more on that later.
The “Why” Might Surprise You
Too many boat owners see the dirt and grime that covers their jon boat as a badge of honor, proof that they have “been there, done that.” What they realize is the gas they spilled during the last fill up or mud picked up on the last duck hunt is not a badge of honor, it is a time bomb of future problems waiting to explode. Left unchecked dirt, debris, grease etc. will slowly eat away at your pride and joy eventually rendering it damaged and broken.
As mentioned earlier, rinsing with soap and water will address general dirt but will do little to remove grease or even mild both of which are common issues on any jon boat. Plus, soap and water are not the best solution when it comes to thoroughly cleaning each of the major components of your boat – the hull, windows, vinyl and trim. But do not despair. We will address each of those in more detail below.
How To Clean Your Jon Boat’s Hull
Most modern jon boats are constructed of aluminum or fiberglass, although there are still some wooden hulls floating around. Regardless of what the hull is constructed of it is important to use a cleaning agent that will remove suborn stains without damaging the paint or gel coat. Unfortunately, most household cleaners are great at getting out the dirt but fail miserably when it comes to protection. One of the most common cleaning agents available is sodium bicarbonate- baking soda.
Baking soda is one of the best all around cleaners for your hull. It is safe for almost any surface, easy to use and environmentally safe. Simply mix a cup in any commercial hull cleaning solution and you will find it cleans better, lasts longer and does not damage the finish. For hard to remove stains, especially those along the waterline, make a paste ( a few tablespoons of baking soda & a small amount of water) which can then be used to scrub hard to remove dirt.
Regardless of what solution you use to clean the hull one of the keys to a great looking job is washing in the correct order.
- Rinse First – use clean water to remove any debris, loose dirt etc. before moving to full blown scrubbing.
- Apply Cleaning Solution – using a clean soft brush or cloth apply a combination of water and selected cleaner, scrubbing lightly to loosen dirt & debris that remains
- Rinse – use clean water to rinse the cleaning solution and any loosened dirt
- Dry – this step can be done either of two ways. (1) allow to air dry or (2) wipe down with clean, soft cloth. The latter will help prevent water spots and reduces the time needed to move to the final step.
- Apply protectant – the final step is to protect the finish with either a thin layer of wax, fiberglass protectant or other similar product recommended by the manufacturer. Meguir’s and West Marine both offer a wide range of product designed to protect a variety of hull materials.
How To Clean Your Jon Boat’s Windows
When it comes time to clean your jon boat’s windows it is important to realize most windows are not made of glass, but instead utilize Plexiglass or Lexan. Commercial glass cleaners can damage either of the latter and over time will result in a cloudy, hard to see through finish. Soap and water can be used but will still not remove grease.
For a simple, cheap means of cleaning the windows mix a combination of water, rubbing alcohol and ammonia (45%, 45%, 10%). Apply with a clean cloth and let dry. The ammonia will tackle tough stains or grease and the alcohol will evaporate quickly and prevent water spots.
- Clean – use plenty of fresh water to rinse away dust, grit and dirt any of which may scratch the surface later.
- Apply cleaning solution – use a clean cloth to apply water/alcohol/ammonia solution
- Dry – if using the previously mentioned solution air drying is possible, otherwise use another clean cloth to wipe away any remaining water.
- Protect – apply a specially formulated restorer such as Meguir’s No. 17 or Star Brite’s Clear Plastic Restorer. Always apply by hand with foam applicator and avoid getting restorer on nearby canvas as it will quickly stain.
How To Clean Your Jon Boat’s Vinyl Seats
Neglected vinyl will not only look bad it will eventually dry out, become brittle and crack. As with the hull it is important to avoid most house hold cleaners as it is possible they will accelerate the damage. Once again, the baking soda comes in handy.
- Wipe Everything – wiping down the vinyl surfaces is similar to the pre-wash performed on the hull, it removes surface debris prior to the actually washing process.
- Apply Paste – apply the same baking soda paste used on the hull to remove stains or mildew spots.
- Scrub – use a gentle household dish detergent and water solution to perform a general cleaning of all vinyl surfaces.
- Rinse – use clean water to remove all detergent or left-over baking soda paste.
- Apply Protective Coating – apply a thin coat of vinyl protectorate to prevent sun damage and minimize staining. Armor All Original Protectant wipes are both effective and easy to use.
How To Clean Your Jon Boat’s Trim
When you are cleaning your boat it is important to not forget about the trim. It is equally important to remember the trim, like the hull and windows, benefit from a specialized cleaning technique. Whether you are discussing handrails, cleats or decorative work you do not want to ruin it while trying to clean it.
The majority of jon boats will be outfitted with aluminum trim, so that will be our focus. If you have chrome or teak trim be sure to use techniques and cleaning products specifically designed for those materials.
Before we begin a quick note about aluminum. Although it is a metal it also contains a grain similar to that found in wood. Always scrub or wipe with the grain- it will clean better and prevent unsightly damage.
- No Ammonia – if using ammonia else where avoid allowing it to make contact with aluminum as it will cause pitting.
- Wipe Down – most of the metal can be effectively cleaned with nothing more than a damp cloth and a mild laundry detergent.
- Aluminum vs. Aluminum – for tough stains or oxidized trim polish the area with the shiny side of everyday aluminum foil.
- Clean, Polish and Protect in One Step – you can reduce the cleaning time for aluminum trim by using an all in one cleaner/polisher/protectant, such as Boatlife’s Aluminum Cleaner. This is especially helpful when you have a large amount of trim or multiple boats to address.
A Quick Note Concerning Aluminum
Many modern jon boats are constructed from aluminum. Others utilize aluminum for trim or accessories. Because this metal is so common in the construction of jon boats lets end by reviewing some of the characteristics of aluminum that determine how it reacts when exposed to nature and how you need to address those reactions.
- Aluminum Oxidizes Naturally – exposure to air caused aluminum to oxidize, oxidation causes a thin film to form on the surface.
- Aluminum Shines in Its Natural State – when aluminum shines it is clean, as it oxidizes it begins to dull. This change in appearance will signal when it is time to clean again.
- Aluminum Needs to Be Protected – cleaning and polishing aluminum will return it to its natural shine, but it will not prevent it from oxidizing again. To prevent, or at least delay, the oxidation process apply a protectant.
Although it is nearly impossible to avoid ever cleaning your jon boat we hope that the tips we have provided will help you reduce the time needed to do so. By doing so you will be able to enjoy your boat more yet continue to protect it , ensuring many seasons of continued use.
