Spring Boat Maintenance Guide: Prep, Prime & Protect Your Boat with International
Get your boat ready for the water this season with expert tips from AkzoNobel’s International® brand.
Whether you're looking to clean, protect, or enhance your boat's performance, our step-by-step guide will ensure a smooth sailing season.
Why Spring boat maintenance matters
Maintaining your boat is essential for its optimal performance both above and below the waterline. The arrival of spring is the perfect time to refresh your boat and ensure everything is in ideal condition to take to the water.
Here is our handy guide for those getting ready to launch their boats this spring.
1. Clean & inspect the hull
- Wash the hull thoroughly with International® Super Cleaner to remove dirt, salt, and grime.
- Check for cracks in the gelcoat or paint that may need monitoring or repair.
- If the gelcoat appears dull or chalky, consider buffing, polishing, or repainting to restore its shine.
2. Check below the waterline
- Inspect the hull for osmosis—look for blisters that may weep a vinegar-like fluid.
- Examine the keel and rudder for impact damage, cracks, or coating detachment.
- If repairs are needed, grind out affected areas early to allow for proper drying before refinishing.
3. Inspect & protect decks & brightwork
- Air out lockers and bilges—open lockers, lift sole boards, and let everything dry.
- Clean and repaint bilges & lockers if coatings are worn or damaged.
- Inspect & maintain woodwork—decide what stays bare (e.g., teak decking) and what needs varnishing or sealing.
- Refresh fresh non-slip deck areas for safety—wash, scrub, and apply two coats of Interdeck® for durability.
4. Fouling control & hull protection
- Assess the current fouling control—if paint is flaking or built up, consider stripping it back.
- Sand and prepare the surface before applying new fouling control paint.
- Choose the right fouling control paint based on local conditions and boat type.
- If switching fouling control brands, check compatibility charts to ensure proper adhesion - Primocon® can be used as a vinyl-based primer suitable for application over most existing coatings.
- Don’t forget to antifoul your propeller - International® Propeller Primer is a quick drying one-part primer with excellent adhesion properties thanks to Dual-Activated Bonding Technology. Working in combination with our recommended International® antifouling to form a unified coating system that resists dynamic and cavitation forces to protect propellers and underwater metals from fouling build up.
5: Finish with a high-performance topcoat
Your boat’s topsides need protection, too! The One UP® and Toplac® Plus system from International® offers:
- Faster application—fewer coats required for a professional finish.
- Enhanced UV protection—helps maintain colour and gloss for longer.
- A smoother, glossier finish—no need for tipping with a brush.
Get ready for smooth sailing!
By following these simple steps, you'll extend your boat's lifespan, enhance performance, and enjoy a hassle-free season on the water.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on prepping, priming, and painting your boat, check out our 2025 Boat Painting Guide below.