Obviously boats end up seeing a lot of water if you’re using them right; and moisture can create the perfect storm for a boat full of mold and mildew. Once mold and mildew get a foothold on your boat, they can be difficult to remove, and boat insurance doesn’t even cover mold or mildew damage. So the best way to deal with mold and mildew on your boat is to prevent it in the first place, and here’s how…

The dryer your boat, the less likely you are to be plagued by mold and mildew, so start by keeping your boat leak-free. Check everything from your seals to your hatches. If you find any leaks, dig out any rot and reseal the area.

Also make sure that your bilge pump is operating properly, but water isn’t your only problem. Stagnant air can harbor moisture, accelerating the build-up of mold and mildew, so I can’t stress enough the importance of adequate ventilation on your boat.

Humidity is also not your friend. Boat dryers are the fastest way to reduce humidity and those handy little dehumidifying packs they make to hang in your closets can help too.

When it comes to boat covers, be careful. Boat covers are a good way to keep water from entering your boat, but make sure your boat is completely dry before covering it. A cover can cause more harm than good on a boat with any moisture present.

If any areas begin to show signs of mold or mildew, stay on top of it because the more you have, the harder it is to eliminate. Solutions of either one part vinegar to one part water or about one tenth bleach to nine parts water are both effective for cleaning mold and mildew.