A practical guide to waxing a salt-water boat
Salt spray leaves a microscopic mineral film that dulls gel coat within weeks. Rinsing helps; waxing is what protects.
How often
Boats in salt water: wax topsides every 8–10 weeks in season. Fresh-water boats can stretch to twice a year.
What to use
A paste polymer wax rated for marine gel coat. Carnauba looks great but lasts half as long in sun and salt.
The two-step nobody skips twice
De-scale first (a 50/50 white vinegar and water rinse), then wax. Waxing over salt film seals the damage in.