Boat cleaning pack

I was thrilled when the package of Clean to Gleam products arrived at the yard, because if there’s anything Maximus needs, it’s a good clean. I naively thought we might just need to clean her once, then again before launch, but being next to a hedge full of nesting birds, not to mention a working yard full of grinders, sanders and flying paint dust, it’s become a weekly chore. Tempting though it is to just get going with the topsides, varnish the tiller or prime the keel, you need a clean surface to begin with otherwise it’s an uphill battle.

We haven’t tested all the products yet, but have used the boat wash on several occasions and, as promised, it removes the grime, bird poo and algae very easily simply with a bucket and water.

Gary Winter, owner of Clean to Gleam, has over 15 years experience in marine valeting, and has travelled all over the world to research and develop his own range of products.

“A lot of people think you need a pressure washer, but you don’t,” he said. “The boat cleaning products will do it themselves. You need the right kind of sponges, then you need to get the polish over the top, otherwise the elements and algae will stick in the gelcoat.”

The boat wash is available on its own (£20 for 1lt or £65 for 5lt) or comes as part of the Clean to Gleam pack, which is beautifully presented in a durable blue bag, and would actually make a nice gift... as long as the lucky boat owner doesn’t take it the wrong way!

The pack has 1lt of boat polish, 1lt of RIB cleaner, 750ml interior cleaner, 750ml glass cleaner, 750ml deodoriser, grade 1, 2 and 3 sponges and a pack of microfibre cloths.

The products are all available separately, and there’s also a pack option including hard paste wax, which costs an extra £30. Price: £125. cleantogleam.com