The South Florida Boat Care Checklist

After every outing

• Freshwater rinse — hull, deck, hardware, and trailer. Salt left sitting is salt working on gelcoat and metal.
• Flush the engine(s) per the manufacturer's routine after saltwater use.
• Dry and cover — wipe standing water from seats and compartments; cover or close up to keep UV and rain off vinyl.

Weekly (or every other week)

• Full wash with boat soap — topsides, hull sides, non-skid. In a monthly wash program this is the visit that keeps wax alive.
• Check bilge and batteries — dry bilge, charged batteries, terminals clean.
• Glass and isinglass — rinse and dry only; never Windex or paper towels on isinglass.

Monthly

• Vinyl care — gentle cleaner, then a UV protectant. South Florida sun cracks untreated vinyl fast.
• Metal polish pass on rails, cleats, and brightwork before pitting starts.
• Inspect canvas and covers — seams, snaps, and mildew spots; treat mildew early, it's cheap early.
• Check lines and fenders — chafe shows up fast at floating docks in summer storms.

Quarterly

• Wax or sealant refresh on topsides — in Florida UV, a quality wax is a 3–4 month product, not a yearly one. Ceramic-coated boats: inspection wash and topper instead.
• Oxidation check — run a hand over the hull in shade: chalky or dull means the gelcoat is asking for a compound/polish before it gets expensive.
• Non-skid deep clean and deck hardware check.
• Bottom and running gear — growth check; South Florida water fouls fast year-round.

Twice a year — the full detail

• Full detail (about $45/ft locally): wash, clay/decontamination, machine polish as needed, wax or sealant, interior deep clean, metal and vinyl treatments. Most local owners land on one full detail every 6 months with washes in between — see our guide to how often to detail in South Florida.
• Interior deep clean — compartments, head, upholstery extraction where fitted.
• Teak and brightwork service if your boat has it.

Seasonal — hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30)

• Before the season: confirm your haul-out or marina storm plan, photograph the boat's condition, review insurance documents.
• Named storm approaching: double lines with chafe gear, strip canvas and loose gear, charge batteries, close seacocks per your plan.
• After a storm: wash down thoroughly (storm surge leaves salt and grit everywhere), inspect for dock rash, and dry the interior before mildew sets in. (Full prep guide publishes each spring.)

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Prices referenced are current Fort Lauderdale-area rates from our 2026 cost guide: wash & wax about $30/ft, full detail about $45/ft, ceramic coating $50–125/ft.