Monthly Archives: May 2025

After three days off-grid in the Adirondacks, Erin’s SUV looked like it had been through a war.

The drive home added its own layer of bug splatter, but that wasn’t the worst of it. Parking under pine trees for shade left sap streaked across the hood and roof. The firepit grates were caked in char, and her camp stove lid had a perfect, fossilized marshmallow from Saturday night’s s’mores.

Erin wasn’t looking forward to the cleanup.

The Problem: Outdoor Mess That Doesn’t Wash Off

She pulled into her driveway, unloaded the gear, and gave everything a once-over. A quick rinse wasn’t going to cut it. The sap was sticky and set. The bugs were baked on. And scrubbing too hard risked scratching paint or ruining the finish on her stove and cooler.

She’d made that mistake before, using a metal scraper on her kayak hull, which left permanent scuffs.

Not this time.

The Fix: A Plastic Scraper in the Camp Kit

Erin reached into her camping bin and pulled out the plastic scraper she’d thrown in “just in

Whether you're changing your boat’s name, updating registration numbers, or simply giving your vessel a facelift, removing vinyl lettering is a common part of boat maintenance. But it’s not as simple as peeling it off—especially if the adhesive has baked in under years of sun, salt, and weather.

The challenge? Getting rid of old lettering cleanly without scratching your gelcoat, paint, or hull surface. That’s where plastic blades come into play—offering a safer, smarter alternative to razor blades or abrasive scrubbing.

Why Vinyl Lettering Is Tough to Remove

Boat decals are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, featuring UV-resistant materials and strong adhesives. Over time, however, they can become brittle, cracked, or sun-faded. When it's time to remove them, the backing often flakes off in small pieces, and the glue stays stubbornly behind.

Metal scrapers might seem like a quick fix, but they can gouge fiberglass or leave behind visible scratches—especially on curved or painted

A clean boat galley isn't just about aesthetics; it's fundamental to a healthy, happy onboard environment and crucial for preserving your boat's interior against the relentless marine elements. The constant motion, often compact workspaces, and sometimes limited airflow can make your galley a prime battleground against grime that seems immune to typical home cleaning methods.

So, what are the usual suspects causing you cleaning headaches? Think cooked-on grease from hearty onboard meals, surprise messes hiding in drawers or cabinets, and those frustrating clogged drains. Each demands consistent attention, the right tools, and a bit of know-how. A fantastic starting point for arming yourself in this ongoing battle is a reliable plastic scraper in your cleaning toolkit.

Conquering Grease Buildup

The saga of grease buildup in a cozy galley is never-ending. Tiny oil droplets inevitably find their way onto walls, cabinets, ceilings, and even vents. Starting with a good degreaser and cleaning