Cleaning Boats & Equipment
Post outing it is essential that all equipment used is washed down and disinfected before being returned to its correct storage location. This activity has to take place before any debriefings or refreshments so the hard can be cleared for other crews.
Keeping equipment clean is not only courteous to your fellow club members, it looks better, it performs better, and it lasts longer.
How to clean your boat
Once the boat is secure on trestles, fill a bucket with clean water use the sponges provided to make sure you do the following:
Wash the sliders/runners, check that they are free from any grit or dirt
Clean the top of the seat and the wheels underneath
Clean the footwells and shoes
Clean the riggers and swivels
Clean the bow and stern canvas
Using a clean towel dry all the above.
Under the instruction from your cox lift and turn the boat over so that hull is exposed
Wash the entire hull and dry down
If you drop a sponge on the ground DO NOT continue to use it, wash it thoroughly first so that it is free from any grit that can damage the hull.
How to clean blades
Again, using clean water and a sponge:
Clean any mud from both sides of the spoon
Wash the loom
Thoroughly wash handles
Dry down with clean towel
The most common tool in rowing. Every rower should at least have one of these. If you are feeling swish you can invest a bit more in rachet set and be the envy of your squad.
Hex’s
Some rigger bolts require a hex tool to assist with loosening or tightening. 6mm and 8mm are the most common.
Tape
Used for strapping together sets of seats and riggers when boats are being transported. Also used for marking the correct backstops position of your seat.
Pliers
Handy for loosening those stubborn stretcher plate nuts
Pen – ‘Sharpie’
Used to label taped together riggers and seats so they can be identified and reunited with the correct boat
Finger Tape
If you are new to the sport blisters are a fact of life until your hands harden up. Keep some tape nearby
Small Tool Bag
To keep all the above in