Saltwater exposes your boat to some extreme conditions. Boats are made for the water, but not all water types are the same.
Saltwater is highly corrosive because of the salt content, something you don’t have to worry about in fresh water. Prolonged exposure to saltwater can take a toll on your vessel, leading to pitting, oxidation, and rust. Before it gets this far, it can cause your boat’s paint to fade and make it look old and poorly maintained, even if you’re staying on top of routine care.
Ceramic coatings like Cilajet’s Aviation-Grade formula provide a robust defense against saltwater and its harmful effects. It creates a shield-like shell that prevents saltwater from penetrating, leaving you with a smooth exterior that lasts for years.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater: Different Waters, Different Threats
Freshwater and saltwater are two vastly different environments, each with unique threats to your boat.
In freshwater, your biggest concerns are algae, mineral buildup, and surface staining. It’s less aggressive on metal and paint, but you’ll still need to clean your vessel consistently.
With saltwater, the stakes are higher. The water is far more corrosive due to the salt content. This accelerates oxidation on metals and will more quickly degrade the gelcoat. The combination of UV rays and salt compounds damage over time.
Boats in saltwater need advanced, chemical-resistant coatings beyond what works in freshwater. Extra layers of protection can help defend salt’s corrosive effects, reduce the need for frequent cleanings, and keep your boat looking like new.
The Harsh Realities of Saltwater on Boats
Saltwater affects your boat in several ways, many of which can reduce the overall lifespan of your vessel. Here are some of the top threats you should be aware of:
- Corrosion & Rust: Saltwater corrodes stainless steel fittings, propellers, and exposed hardware, which can affect your boat’s structural integrity.
- Gelcoat & Paint Degradation: Salt crystals etch into surfaces, leading to fading and chalking.
- Glass & Brightwork Damage: Salt film causes pitting, hazing, and loss of clarity, which can age your boat’s appearance.
- Mechanical Impact: Saltwater infiltration in hatches, seals, and electronics shortens each component’s lifespan.
These factors can influence the value of your watercraft when it’s time to sell, or can run up costly maintenance bills.
Traditional Protection Options & Their Limits
Boat owners can protect their vessels with several different options. Let’s explore the traditional ones and how they fare in saltwater.
Wax
Wax is among the most affordable coating options. It’s applied by hand and doesn’t require professional tools or expertise. It doesn’t cost much, but it can be time-consuming depending on the size of your boat.
The problem is that wax breaks down quickly in saltwater. Because of this, you’ll need to reapply it frequently to maintain its protection.
Sealants
Sealants coat the entire boat’s surface. They make the surface shine, creating a smooth, even layer.
The downside is that while sealants last longer than wax, they’re still prone to degradation when exposed to salt. It lacks deep chemical resistance, so it’s not a long-lasting solution.
Bottom Paint & Marine-Specific Coatings
Painting the bottom of the boat or applying silicone coatings can offer some defense against saltwater. However, the benefits are mostly to help with anti-fouling. These coatings don’t prevent saltwater or surface-level damage above the waterline.
None of these methods offer a comprehensive, long-lasting defense against saltwater. If you choose one of these traditional methods, be prepared to reapply them frequently, rinse your boat with freshwater often, and actively look for signs of damage so you can take quick action.
Why Ceramic Coatings Are the Ideal Saltwater Solution
Saltwater’s corrosive nature calls for stronger boat protection, something that can’t be rinsed away after one outing. Ceramic is professionally applied and cured, essentially “baking” it onto the vessel’s surface.
Here’s what you can expect with ceramic coatings:
- Stronger Protection: Ceramic creates a permanent, semi-permeable barrier that bonds at the molecular level.
- Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings repel water, salt, and contaminants, making surfaces easier to clean.
- UV Resistance: A cured ceramic coating protects the gelcoat and paint from fading and chalking.
- Corrosion Resistance: Ceramic shields metal surfaces from salt crystallization, rust, and oxidation.
- Gloss & Aesthetics: Cured ceramic coatings help maintain a showroom shine even in marine environments.
- Aviation-Grade Edge: Cilajet ceramic coatings are proven in environments harsher than marine conditions. If it can withstand jet fuel and atmospheric extremes, it can handle saltwater boating, too.
Maintaining a Ceramic-Coated Boat in Saltwater
Once your boat receives a ceramic coating, you’ll need to perform some routine maintenance to keep your watercraft shiny and clean. This is usually less involved compared to wax coatings or sealants.
Your priorities will be:
- Rinsing with freshwater after outings.
- Using pH-neutral soaps to preserve the coating’s integrity.
- Routinely inspecting the boat’s high-exposure zones.
Ceramic coatings drastically reduce cleaning time, lower maintenance costs, and increase the lifespan of your boat.
Final Thoughts: Saltwater Demands Ceramic-Level Protection
If you’re using your boat in saltwater, it needs more than a quick rinse to keep it looking and working like new. Saltwater is harsh on watercraft exteriors, and traditional coatings like wax and sealants fall short in salty conditions.
Ceramic is the superior, long-term solution for protecting marine vessels. Its shield-like coating creates a barrier between your boat and the water, helping to protect it from rust and corrosion. And since it’s professionally applied and cured, it can’t be easily rinsed away.
Demanding conditions require tough protection. Ceramic coatings deliver unmatched durability and corrosion resistance, making them the ultimate defense for boats in saltwater.