The problem with boats is that, to enjoy them, you have to get them wet. Drying off the inside of your boat after using it or washing it is a big thing in terms of extending its lifespan and keeping damp-loving mold and mildew at bay. Here are three great options for drying your boat—effective on their own and even better in combination.
Cleantool Absorber Synthetic Chamois
The Dry: Chamois are known for their ability to soak up large amounts of water while also being delicate enough to keep your surfaces safe from scratches and streaks. Cleantool claims the Absorber, which is made of a synthetic PVA material rather than animal leather, can absorb water three times faster than a regular towel. It’s machine washable and can be stored wet onboard.
The Sog: A single chamois costs over twice as much as a 12-pack of microfiber cloths. You might need more than one to dry down your boat.
Price: $15.99; westmarine.com
Grip On Microfiber Towels
The Dry: Microfiber cloths are a great choice for drying your boat because they’re not abrasive and won’t scratch up your fiberglass, stainless-steel or plexiglass surfaces, and especially your electronic screens. Plus, they’re cheap, at under $7 for a 12-pack. When they’re soaked, you can hang them on the rails to dry or throw them in the washer and dryer at home. They’re made of synthetic polyester rather than natural materials
The Sog: They absorb water quickly so you may have to run through the entire 12-pack in one drying session.
Price: $6.99 (12-pack); westmarine.com
Read Next: How to Clean Your Boat Without Dirtying the Environment
Wood Ranger Leaf Blower
The Dry: Whoever first thought of using a standard backyard leaf blower to dry his boat is a genius. The battery-operated Wood Ranger is a good choice for boat duty because its compact size means you can hold it singlehandedly and it’s small enough to stow onboard. It’s great for pushing water off a deck into the scuppers or blasting collected water out of stowage lockers, channels and other hard to reach places.
The Sog: It stops drying when the 24-volt rechargeable battery runs out, which is reportedly around 15 minutes of continuous use.
Price: $69.99; woodrangertools.com
