You don’t always need a wonder product. You might already have just what you need on board.
Take A Load Off
Shore-power cords are heavy, and a plug that fits poorly into the shore-side receptacle could become disconnected while you’re away from the boat. Ensure that it’s plugged in correctly and securely, then tie a thin length of rope around the cord close to the plug with a rolling hitch or other suitable knot, securing the other end of the line to the top of the shore-power pedestal, pole, or other anchoring point to take some of the weight off the plug.
Thar She Blows
The air conditioning on my boat recently stopped working when a jellyfish got sucked into the water intake and lodged in the hose. After closing the seacock, I removed the hose from the inline water strainer. Holding it vertically so that the end was above the outside waterline, I reopened the seacock and cleared the obstruction with a few puffs from my inflatable dinghy pump. I then reclosed the seacock and reattached the hose.
Pearly Brights
Is your boat’s stainless not looking its best? Fear not: Use toothpaste. Rub a little straight from the tube onto the dull metal, then buff with a microfiber towel dampened with a little freshwater. Voila! Bright, shiny stainless with a minty-fresh scent. Some abrasive toothpastes (like those for whitening) can scratch, so experiment in an inconspicuous area first.
Slick Stain Remover
Got an oil stain on your fiberglass boat that you just can’t get out? Spray the area with WD-40, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a clean rag. You can use the same technique on upholstery and carpet, too. After spraying the WD-40 onto the affected area, blot with clean paper towels, and then spritz the area with warm water mixed with a little laundry detergent. Blot with a clean, dry towel. Test in an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness or other issues.
