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180 Series | Escape Series | Senza Series | LXi Series | Cabrio Series

 

Professional Advice

You’ve found the place for expert tips and tricks to get the most out of your Larson and the boating lifestyle. From tips on tying-up and maintenance to revving up your Larson’s performance, you’ll find it all here.

The Best Way To Clean Your Boat
Use marine products designed for whatever surface you want to clean. You can save a lot of elbow grease by using the right product and doing preventive maintenance and cleanup. You can do a lot of damage if you use the wrong one. If you’re not sure, test a small area first.

    Vinyl
  • Contrary to popular belief, Formula 409 isn’t really good for vinyl. More aggressive cleaners can dry out or crack the vinyl.
  • Our vinyl company recommends Vinyl Finish Cleaner and 303 Protectant. The cleaner removes dirt and grime; the protectant simplifies future cleaning, preventing sun damage, stains, and drying.
  • As a last resort on ink and other stubborn stains, dab lightly with lacquer thinner or acetone and let it dry thoroughly. (Work carefully. Vinyl may bond with dirt when it’s sticky.)
  • To remove mold and mildew, use a mold-cleaning product for vinyl. To prevent mildew, make sure vinyl is always dry before you cover the boat up tight.

    Fittings
  • Most fittings are stainless or aluminum. And yes, both can rust or corrode if water gets trapped in or around them, or if in contact with salt water long enough. Corrosion also worsens when the water has stray voltage in it — like in a marina.
  • Wash fittings with soap and water and apply a Teflon-based lubricant or a silicone-based product like WD40.
  • In salt water, daily cleaning may be necessary.

    Gel coat
  • Larson uses both paint and gel cote finishes. Gel cote should be treated differently from paint. (Make sure you know you’re cleaning gel coat.) Larson works hard to find the perfect balance between making gel coat too brittle or too soft.
  • Because gel coat is porous, it can absorb both dirt and water. If you don’t keep gel coat clean and polished, it will fade and yellow. Then it’s time to get out the buffer and polishing compound.
  • Repair minor scratches with sandpaper, working from coarse grit to superfine. It’s OK to use acetone or lacquer thinner to remove stains, or a small amount of Soft Scrub to spot-clean by hand.
  • To wash the gel coat, use a soap recommended for marine gel coat. Get a soft bristle brush with a nice long handle, and get to work.
  • Before you put the boat away in the fall, buff the whole boat with rubbing compound, and buff with a wax.
  • Use automotive type soaps, compounds, and polishes to detail paint.

    Prop and boat bottom
  • It’s crucial to keep both clean to enhance your boat’s performance.
  • Use a product designed for your prop’s metal. It could be aluminum, stainless, brass, or even bronze.
  • Lime stains, which turn the outdrive white, can be removed with Lime-Away or another rust stain remover.
  • If needed, boat bottom cleaner is an acid. Very aggressive, but it works. Wear a mask and be careful. Rinse everything well with fresh water when you’re done.
  • For the bottom, bottom painting is highly recommended for salt water.

    Glass and windows
  • Like with gel coat, know what you’re cleaning.
  • Use Windex or glass cleaner on glass. These products are too drying for Plexiglas, and can scratch it. Use a terry cloth rag that’s clean and free of dirt or particles.
  • Novis makes a good plastic polish to use on plexi windows and window panels in canvas.
  • If you do happen to scratch plexi, buff it with polishing compound.

    Canvas
  • Put all the canvas up on your boat and scrub it with soap and water. Spray it off with fresh water.
  • Don’t use harsh chemicals, which could damage the protectant.