Why Boat Safe Sunscreen Matters: Protect Your Vessel While Staying Sun-Safe

Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but did you know it can be damaging to your boat? Many products aren’t made with boats in mind. In fact, unless you’re using a boat safe sunscreen, you could be unknowingly staining your seats, dulling your gelcoat, or creating slippery decks. Sun protection is non-negotiable—but there are smarter ways to do it on the water.

How Sunscreen Can Damage Your Boat

1. Stains & Discoloration on Vinyl Seats & Upholstery

Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, and mineral oils, which can stain white or light-colored vinyl seats, leaving orange or yellow marks that are difficult to remove. Over time, these stains can permanently discolor your boat’s interior.

2. Slippery & Oily Residue on Decks & Railings

Spray and lotion sunscreens often leave behind an oily film, making boat decks and handrails slippery. This not only creates a safety hazard but also attracts dirt, dust, and grime, making your boat harder to clean.

3. Degradation of Clear Coat, Paint & Gelcoat

Certain chemical sunscreens break down the protective coatings on fiberglass, gelcoat, and painted surfaces. Over time, this can lead to fading, dullness, and even surface degradation, impacting your boat’s appearance and value.

4. Clogged Pores in Non-Skid Decking

Non-skid surfaces are designed to provide grip, but when sunscreen builds up in the grooves, it can create a greasy layer that makes decks slippery and harder to clean.

5. Damage to Isinglass & Clear Plastics

Sunscreen can haze or cloud up Isinglass, acrylic windshields, and clear plastic enclosures, reducing visibility and making your boat’s windows look foggy or aged.

How to Protect Your Boat from Sunscreen Damage

1. Use Boat Safe Sunscreen to Prevent Damage

Not all sunscreens are boat-friendly. Look for oil-free, oxybenzone-free, and non-greasy formulas to minimize staining and residue buildup.

Best Sunscreens for Boating:

Mineral-Based (Reef-Safe) Sunscreens – Avoid chemical ingredients that stain and damage surfaces.

Lotion Over Spray – Spray sunscreens create a fine mist that settles on decks, seats, and rails, leaving a greasy film. Use lotions instead.

Water-Resistant & Quick-Absorbing Formulas – These reduce excess oils transferring onto your boat.

2. Apply Sunscreen Before Boarding

One of the easiest ways to prevent sunscreen damage is to apply it before stepping onto the boat. Give it at least 10-15 minutes to absorb into your skin to reduce transfer onto seats and surfaces.

3. Rinse Hands After Applying Sunscreen

Before touching steering wheels, throttle controls, and railings, rinse your hands with freshwater or use a boat-friendly hand wipe to remove excess sunscreen.

4. Use Towels or Seat Covers

Placing light-colored towels or marine-grade seat covers on vinyl seating can prevent stains and make cleanup easier.

5. Regularly Clean Your Boat

Wipe down vinyl seats with a mild soap solution or a marine-grade vinyl cleaner to remove sunscreen buildup.
Use a degreaser or boat-safe cleaner for non-skid decks to remove slippery residue.
Clean isinglass or plastic windows with an approved marine plastic cleaner to prevent hazing from sunscreen oils.

6. Encourage Guests to Use Boat-Safe Sunscreen

Make boat-safe sunscreen available on board and encourage passengers to use it instead of their own potentially damaging products.

Balance Sun Protection & Boat Care with Boat Safe Sunscreen

Sunscreen is necessary for skin protection, but choosing the right kind and taking simple precautions can keep your boat looking its best. By using boat-safe sunscreens, applying them before boarding, and keeping surfaces clean, you can enjoy the sun without damaging your vessel.