Boat Brushes, Handles, and Heads

A boat deck brush is typically a large brush with a long handle, similar to a push-broom in design. Deck brushes are designed specifically for cleaning the high-traffic areas of your boat. They tend to have a medium or standard bristle hardness for scrubbing away stubborn dirt. Boat deck brushes are usually used in combination with a boat cleaner to loosen up grime so it can be hosed off with clean water.

Boat deck brushes are excellent for cleaning off salt residue, muddy footprints, fish remains, bird poop, and just about anything that accumulates on your boat’s deck.

The number of boat brushes you need depends on the type and size of your boat. Typically, if a boat has multiple surface types that require different bristle hardnesses, you will need more than one boat brush. Bristle types range from super-soft to soft, medium, and hard. Each bristle hardness is best used for different types of surfaces, some for delicate surfaces like isinglass, others for more durable surfaces like the boat deck. 

Aside from standard boat brushes, you may want a handheld scrub brush for getting into crevices and removing tough dirt and stains. These can be great for fish boxes and even the gunnels of your boat.

Seasoned captains and those who are on their boats day-in and day-out will tell you that screw-on brush handles are not the way to go. As you scrub, the brush head tends to loosen up and come unscrewed, requiring you to re-tighten the handle over and over.

Instead, we recommend a quick-lock push-button attachment for boat brush handles. This allows for a secure attachment and easy removal to switch to a different handle or brush head. All Captains Preferred Products brushes and handles feature quick-lock push-button connections for maximum compatibility and ease of use. 

Captains' boat brushes come in Super-Soft Bristles (for isinglass, vinyl, and motor cowlings, Medium Bristles (for the hull and gelcoat), and Hard Bristles (for the deck, foam flooring, and nonskid surfaces).

How long your boat brush heads will last depends on how you use and store your brushes. Generally, it's a good idea to replace brush heads each boating season. Worn brushes can cause damage to sensitive boat surfaces.

To get the most out of your brushes, choose a brand that epoxies their brush heads and has durable bristles. After each use, allow brushes to dry fully and store them off the ground in a Brush Head Organizer.

Most boat brushes are between 6 and 10 inches. Larger brushes do exist, but they are more difficult to use as they don't fit in standard buckets. For optimal coverage and handling, we recommend 9 inch boat brushes as a good standard.

As you're cleaning your boat, your brushes will pick up dirt and grime. It's best practice to use a Dirt Trap in the bottom of your soapy water bucket. This will allow any solids to fall off the brush and sink to the bottom, away from the brush as you re-dip.

If the brushes get really filthy mid-clean, give them a rinse with fresh water and freshen your soap bucket.

Boat brushes should be kept dry and off the ground. We recommend TidyBoat Brush Head Organizers to keep your brushes dry and protected. These brush holders can be installed anywhere you like on your boat and keep brushes in the best condition.