Sunrise Marine
To clean a boat after red tide or an algae bloom, rinse everything with fresh water first. Then wash from top to bottom with boat soap and a soft mitt. Flush the water systems and treat any waterline stains.
Blooms can show up along the Gulf coast and in Tampa Bay. This guide walks through the cleanup in order.
What Is Red Tide?
Red tide is a bloom of tiny algae in the water. On Florida's Gulf coast, the algae is usually Karenia brevis. A bloom can discolor the water, kill fish, and leave a film on boats.
Other algae blooms look green and slimy. The cleanup steps are much the same.
What You Need
- A hose with fresh water
- Boat soap
- A soft wash mitt and a soft deck brush
- Microfiber towels
- Gloves
- A bucket and trash bags for dead fish and debris
- A cleaner made for boats, for waterline stains
Step-by-Step Cleanup
1. Rinse Everything With Fresh Water
Start at the top and work down. Rinse the deck, seats, windows, and hull. Dried algae and salt come off easier when you wet them first.
2. Pick Up Dead Fish and Debris
Dead fish can collect on swim platforms, in scuppers, and around your slip. Wear gloves and bag them. Rinse the area when you finish.
3. Flush the Water Systems
Livewells, washdown pumps, and engine cooling systems pull in bay water. Flush each one with fresh water. Follow your owner's manual for the engine flush.
4. Wash From Top to Bottom
Mix boat soap with water. Use a soft mitt on gelcoat and a soft brush on nonskid. Rinse often so dirt does not dry on the surface.
5. Treat Waterline and Hull Stains
Algae and slime can leave a brown or green line at the waterline. Use a cleaner made for boats and follow the label. Test a small spot first, since harsh cleaners can dull gelcoat.
6. Clean the Interior
Open lockers and hatches. Wipe vinyl, scrub carpet, and clean storage areas. Leave everything open so it dries fully.
Fish smell and algae film can settle into cushions and carpet. Our deep boat cleaning covers the interior when a hose and mitt are not enough.
7. Check the Finish
Run your hand over the gelcoat. A chalky or dull surface can mean oxidation. Oxidation removal can help bring back color and gloss.
8. Protect the Surface
Wax adds a slick layer on top of the finish. A ceramic coating does the same job and lasts longer than wax. Either one can make the next cleanup easier.
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Common Mistakes
- Scrubbing a dry hull. Dried algae and salt can scratch the surface.
- Skipping the flush. Bay water stays in livewells and lines.
- Using household cleaners. Many can strip wax or dull gelcoat.
- Leaving stains for weeks. Stains are often easier to remove sooner.
When to Call a Pro
Large boats take hours to clean by hand. Heavy stains, strong odors, and dull gelcoat can take more tools and time. A mobile crew can handle all three.
We come to your dock or slip. We serve Pinellas County and Tampa Bay, including boat detailing in Tampa. Cost varies by boat size and condition.
Ready for a Cleaner Boat?
Sunrise Marine Detailing cleans boats at the dock across Tampa Bay and Pinellas County. Contact us for a quote.
FAQ
Can I wash my boat during a red tide bloom?
Yes. You can rinse and wash it any time. Check local advisories before you head out, and clear dead fish from your slip area first.
Can red tide damage my boat's finish?
Algae film and dead fish residue can stain and dull a finish if they stay on for a long time. Rinsing and washing soon after helps. Wax or a coating adds a layer between the finish and the grime.
How do I get the fish smell out of my boat?
Remove the source first, then wash and rinse the area. Check the livewell, bilge, carpet, and cushions. Let everything dry with hatches open.
How often should I rinse my boat during a bloom?
Rinse with fresh water after each trip while the bloom is in your area. Do a full wash when you see film or stains building up.
Do you clean boats at my dock?
Yes. Our mobile crew works at your dock or slip in Pinellas County and Tampa Bay coastal towns. Contact us for a quote.