{"id":162305,"date":"2026-03-24T06:26:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T06:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?p=162305"},"modified":"2026-03-24T10:23:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T10:23:02","slug":"spring-2026-boat-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/promotional-feature\/spring-2026-boat-maintenance-guide-162305","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026 boat maintenance guide"},"content":"Spring is in the wind and the start of the sailing season draws near. Give your boat the care it deserves, enhance its value and improve performance with some timely tips from the experts at Akzonobel's International brand<\/a>.\r\n\r\nMaintaining your boat both above and below the waterline is a vital part of keeping it in good condition. Spring is the perfect time to engage in a little TLC, as temperatures start to mellow and the boat will soon be back in the water.\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019re looking to clean, protect or enhance your boat, this step-by-step guide to coatings will ensure a smooth sailing season.\r\n\r\nRemember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, overalls with a hood and goggles or glasses. A mask is also vital if you are removing old coatings. Spread a tarpaulin under the boat to collect scrapings and dust from sanding. Dispose of this in the hazardous waste bin at the boatyard or local recycling centre.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_162306\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]\"\" If applying antifouling outdoors, check the weather will remain suitable[\/caption]\r\n

Clean and inspect the hull<\/h2>\r\nAfter a long winter ashore, wash the hull thoroughly with International Super Cleaner to remove dirt, salt, and grime. Use this opportunity to check for cracks in the gel coat or paint that may need repair. If the gel coat appears dull or chalky, consider buffing, polishing, or repainting to restore its shine.\r\n

Check below the waterline<\/h2>\r\nInspect the hull for osmosis. The telltale sign is blisters that weep a vinegar-smelling fluid when pierced. Examine the keel and rudder for impact damage, cracks, or coating detachment.\r\n\r\nIf repairs are needed, grind out affected areas early to allow for proper drying before refinishing. Depending on the hull substrate material, apply 1-5 layers of Primocon primer and then 2-3 coats of your chosen antifoul.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_162311\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]\"\" Ensure new surfaces are appropriately primed before antifouling[\/caption]\r\n

Inspect and protect decks & brightwork<\/h2>\r\nAir out lockers and bilges by opening lids, lifting sole boards, and letting everything dry. Clean and repaint bilges and lockers if coatings appear worn or damaged. International\u2019s Danboline is hard-wearing and easy to apply in 1-2 coats. Inspect woodwork.\r\n\r\nConsider oiling teak with International Schooner or Woodskin to keep it in top condition. Varnish and seal brightwork regularly to prevent water and UV damage. You can select the perfect wood finish from our product guide<\/a>.\r\n\r\nRefresh non-slip deck areas for safety and durability. Wash, scrub, and then apply two coats of Interdeck with brush or roller.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_162308\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]\"\" Choose a still, windless day to apply antifouling or any other boat paint outdoors[\/caption]\r\n

Fouling control and hull protection<\/h2>\r\nAssess condition of the current antifouling finish. If paint is flaking or layers have built up into an uneven surface, it should be stripped back. Brush on Interstrip AF to ease this task. Sand and\r\nprepare the surface before applying new fouling control.\r\n\r\nChoose the right fouling control for conditions and boat type:\r\n