Quote:
Originally Posted by XCR-700
I would not call it exhaustive research so far, but I have not found anything that says ceramic finish treated boats do not need to be washed with soap.
So far I have found just the opposite, where that was listed as one of the myths and you were warned to make sure you washed your boat frequently with soap to preserve the expensive ceramic finish/treatment, and I even found some info raising concerns that PH neutral soap is not the best choice to get the dirt off the ceramic treatment.
Also my boat is a Formula, so it is not just gelcoat, but it is also painted with an automotive type paint.
On the Formula site they specifically recommend Boat Zoap and they talk about "lathering" down the boat and show a team working on a boat at the dock.
So based on that I decided to call the NH Marine Patrol folks and ask if there were any restrictions, or prohibitions or guidance on washing boats in the water.
Feeling a bit like a fool for such a stupid question, I actually apologized in advance and said this is probably the stupidest question you will get. The person I spoke to laughed and said I was not even close to the stupidest question he has been asked 
Super nice guy!
He actually said he was happy to have someone ask and informed me that it is not a fine-able offense and they recognize boat maintenance is necessary and important, but that they hope people will use common sense and not over do it or use harsh industrial products.
I was very impressed not only by his people skills and demeanor, but it was also clear that I was speaking to someone who had a clue about boats and the lake. This is EXACTLY what you hope to get in a civil servant for your tax dollars! 
Sadly I did not get his name, but if they are reading this thread or anyone knows who I was talking to, please pass along my appreciation for not treating me like an idiot and for providing clear and concise guidance. |
When my ceramic coating was done, they gave me a spray bottle of cleaner/polish and some micro fiber cloths. The instructions were to wet the boat down, spray stuff on the cloths and wipe it down. No "washing" needed.
I'd guess the Formula picture was not taken in NH, or next to a water intake for somebody who uses lake supply for domestic use. Yes, there is no fine- able offense, but this is not an MP issue. I think you will get more complete answers from DES. I haven't seen Boat Zoap on the shelves in ages, but I think they also used to sell a bilge cleaner. Pour it in, add water, slosh it around and let the bilge pump empty the oil, dirt, anti-freeze etc into the lake, along with the soap. That just transfers junk from your bilge into the lake. Now, THAT'S a plan.
Sorry I can't continue the conversation, but I'm going boating this weekend. Enjoy your weekend.
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