Tag: lake living

2023 Lake Homes Realty Summit

Posted on Chris Melton

Lake Homes Realty Celebrates 11th Annual National Agent Summit

October 10-12 marked the 11th annual National Agent Summit for Lake Homes Realty. Lake specialists from around the country traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for a week of learning and networking. Consistent marketing, advantages of building a team, industry news, and more were among the topics discussed in this year’s gathering. But the Summit, wasn’t all business, as many of the agents can attest to.

“Agents all across the country come together and not only collaborate with great ideas, but build a huge referral network … We have pretty fabulous fellowship at night, and we’re a group that likes to have a lot of fun and not take ourselves too seriously while we’re learning from each other,” agent Tiffany Hazelwood says about the National Agent Summit.

2023 also served as the first Summit with new sister brokerage, Beach Homes Realty. Lake Homes Realty welcomed the new agency, along with 6 of its 10 agents, to join in on the annual event. Together, Lake Homes Realty and Beach Homes Realty host the largest Summit to date, with over 200 agents in attendance. Additionally, over 80 awards were given out to agents during the event, including the agent of the year award.

Kristie Anderson From South Carolina Wins “Agent of the Year” at National Real Estate Summit

To determine the 2023 Splash Award winner, Lake Homes Realty agents were each ranked for performance in six key areas over a 12-month period, starting September 1, 2023, and ending August 31, 2023. Performance areas included the number of transaction sides closed, total transaction volume, net by side commission percentage of closed transactions, list side commission percentage of closed transactions, and percentage increase of year-over-year transaction volume.

“There was a minimum $3.5 million in transaction volume in order to be eligible for consideration for the Splash Award and Kristie far exceeded that amount,” Phillips explained, adding that the total volume represented the final sale price of a property, independent of agent splits or applicable commissions. “Our agents are the ‘special forces’ of the lake real estate niche. Their expertise and talents continue to impress us year after year, and this year’s Summit was the best yet because of all that they do.”

Kristie Anderson of South Carolina has been a finalist for Agent of the Year from Lake Homes Realty for multiple year and came home with the top prize – Splash Award. The Splash Award is given to the company’s overall top-performing agent/agent of the year. Anderson is a lake real estate specialist who was born and raised on Lake Marion, South Carolina, where she specializes in lake real estate. She also sells properties on Lake Moultrie, as well.

“We have wonderful lake real estate agents across the country and I am still in awe of the honor,” said Anderson. “I’m honored, surprised, and thankful for winning this year’s Splash Award because it recognizes my relationships I have with my clients,” she says. “My philosophy is to help guide clients through the process of selling or buy a lake property and offer them local lake expertise,” she says. “Life is a little sweeter waking up at the lake and I want to help clients find or sell wonderful lake homes. Living in the right lake home helps clients live a more relaxed and laidback lifestyle while enhancing their overall quality of life,” she added.

Other 2023 Nation Agent Summit Award Winners

To close out the 2023 National Agent Summit, a number of high-performing agents received awards for their success during 2022. Three categories of awards were given out, including the Aqua Award, Big Wave Award, and Splash Award.

Aqua Award Winners

Agents qualifying for the company’s Aqua Award have $3.5 million in revenue but not exceeding $10 million for the year include:

Aleace & Calvin Cappelle
Angella Lee
Barbara Park
Brian Kincaid, II
Brooke Edwards
Bruce Hull
Bruce Jones
Cereice Morris
Chris Johnson
Chris Morris
Chuck Goff
Cindy Anderson
Dakota Clavier
Daniel Burnside
Deb Groom
Debbie Eichhorst
Erica Vaughan
Gail Barnett
Greg Adams
Holly Blanchette
Jacki McCulloch
Jeff Titsworth
Jennifer Hill
Jerry Moomaw
Jill Baugus
Jill Botos
Jim Williams
John Dinos
Josh Grindle
Kye Fadeley
Lauren Streeter
Les Burleson
Lisa Parker
Mike Hardesty
Mike Stevens
Missy & Tim Fredrickson
Rachel Manhim
Rachelle McClard
Rebecca Brewer
Rick Murphy
Robin Cole
Sally Adams
Sonia Mendez
Terri Gates Mcilravy
Tiffany Hazelwood
Tim Beeson
Tommy Clark
Tonya Barker
Tracy Boyd
Trish Greer
Tyrone Miller
Wendy Schurgot

Big Wave Award Winners

Next, agents with $10 million in sales and up to, not including, $25 million for the year received the Big Wave Award. These agents are:

Angela VanHouten
Cat Thornton
Cindy Lanham
Deb Short Taylor
Doug Giesler
Glenn Fisher
Jo Lynn Miller
John Franklin
Johnny Wayne Hightower
Kristie Anderson
Linda Hanf
Melinda Edwards
Michael Murphy
Mike Goins
Nicole Anderson
Pam Bowman
Pam DeBlasio
Peggy Overstreet
Sandie & Freddie Hurley
Sheila Howell
Terry Norton
Tony Luna
Wally Cawthon

Alpha Award Winners

Then, agents with $25 million or more in sales were awarded the Alpha Award. These agents include:

Cindy Myrex
John Robert Elliott
Justin Dyar
Karen Packett
Ken Williams
Lisa Steele
Margaret Decker
Terri & Kyle Griner

Agent of the Year Finalists

Finally, select agents were nominated for agent of the year based on various criteria. These agents were:

Glenn Fisher
Jo Lynn Miller
Kristie Anderson
Lisa Steele
Peggy Overstreet
Sandie & Freddie Hurley
Sheila Howell
Terry & Sherrie Norton
Tony Luna
Wally Cawthon

Lake Homes Realty Adds Kim Hoog to Tenkiller Lake Area in Oklahoma

Posted on Chris Melton

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Oklahoma are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Oklahoma’s total market at $786 million, up from $592 million in the summer of 2022,” said Kim Hoog, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Tenkiller Lake to be the ninth largest market in the state of Oklahoma,” said Hoog. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of July 3, 2023, Tenkiller Lake has 118 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $5,000 lot to a $659,000 lake home.

The average home price for listings around Tenkiller Lake is $285,128, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $76,959 for the 76 lake area lots currently listed.

“Boating is extremely popular on Tenkiller Lake, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Hoog.  “With almost 13,000 acres of pristine water, it ventures into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tenkiller Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Oklahoma in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Dallas, Texas, followed by Wichita, Kansas, and Chicago,” said Hoog.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Tenkiller Lake and the surrounding area,” said Hoog.  One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Kim offers outstanding customer service in the Tenkiller Lake areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Kim Hoog

Kim Hoog is currently living her dream by selling properties on the lake where she spent her childhood. A resident of Gore, Oklahoma, for nearly three decades, she proudly calls it her home. Kim is deeply engaged in the community, having raised her children there, and her strong ties and experiences make her a true expert on Tenkiller Lake.

Having previously worked as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, Kim has transitioned her dedication to real estate. With thirty years of living near the lake, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the area. Kim wholeheartedly believes that Tenkiller Lake is one of Oklahoma’s most pristine gems, and she eagerly anticipates every opportunity to showcase its beauty.

“My number one passion is helping others, which is initially what attracted me the most to real estate,” Kim says. “I enjoy the relationships I get to cultivate with my clients. I love meeting new people and helping them along their journey to finding a new home.”

Whiteboard Topics: Selling a Lake Home Requires Broader Marketing

Posted on Chris Melton

If you’re thinking of selling your lake home, you’ll have to broaden your marketing. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, gives reasons to market to a broader audience.

  1. Out-of-State Buyers: Agents who have had the most success selling lake homes are the ones who market to out-of-state buyers. When choosing an agent, consider if they will be able to tell you how many buyers in other states are shopping your lake. With more realistic buyers, you have better opportunities for more return on investment when you sell.
  2. Specific Lake Might Not Matter: While some buyers may be committed to one lake, there are many who look at several lakes in multiple states when buying a lake home. This should affect where you are marketing and how you are pricing houses. You should price competitively for multiple markets, not just your own.
  3. Local Marketing = Limited Marketing: Most buyers come from the web, so you should have a broad market reach. Putting out signs and listing in a local MLS are beneficial to a point, but limit your pool of buyers.
  4. Web Portals Are Crowded: Big web portals that list many types of property are crowded with people looking for all types of houses, not just lake houses. This causes buyers who want to specifically look for lake homes to sift through the other types of property. Listing on a niche website that specializes in lake property puts you ahead of the listings on big web portals.

Agents and sellers must think broadly when selling lake property. Utilizing these strategies, sellers can maximize their return on investment with their lake home. Connect with an agent at lakehomes.com if you’re looking to sell your lake home to a broad market.

Whiteboard Topics: Why Lake Home Real Estate is a Long Game

Posted on Chris Melton

Buying and selling a lake property is nothing like buying a primary residence when it comes to its schedule. People often experience urgency with a primary residence due to events such as moving to a new town for a job. Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why lake real estate is a long game.

  1. Discretionary = Patience: Similar to a high-end restaurant, a lake home is a discretionary property. Buyers aren’t paying for shelter alone, but also a premium for the lifestyle and access to the water. With discretionary property, buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.
  2. Mortgage Rates are NOT a Driver: Unlike other residential property, mortgage rates do not push people in and out of the lake real estate market. Many buyers complete transactions with cash, and buyers can often pay extra for their property. 
  3. Dream Homes are Different than Urban/Suburbs: Buyers can afford to wait until their dream home is available on the lake they want. They can also buy property on that lake and build their dream home themselves. Additionally, buyers often wait to see what the market does over time, especially in times of compressed inventory.
  4. New Lake Buyers have a Learning Curve: New lake home buyers often enter the market with minimal knowledge of lake real estate, and need time to learn. Many of them don’t realize that the price of a house increases when it is on lake property. These new buyers need time to understand and adjust their mindset while in the lake homes market.

Don’t be surprised if the buying and selling process is taking a while. Successful lake home agents realize that the lake real estate market is a long game and work to compress it. Connect with an expert lake agent who understands the importance of playing the long game at lakehomes.com.

Whiteboard Topics: How A Lake Agent’s Number of Listings Could Fool You

Posted on Tia Williams

As you embark on the journey of finding your dream lakefront home, selecting a reputable realtor becomes paramount in the home-buying process. While searching for a realtor, it’s important to note that the quantity of listings a realtor manages may not always reflect their expertise. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, offers valuable insights into the realities of realtors with extensive listings.

  1. Listings Do NOT Equal Selling: The number of listings a realtor has doesn’t necessarily translate to successful home sales. Certain listings may linger on the market for extended periods, potentially resulting in price reductions.
  2. Using Listings for “Agent Marketing”: Maintaining an excessive number of listings is often employed as a marketing strategy by agents. The quantity of listings can serve as a sales tactic to generate more transactions in a specific area.
  3. Commission Games: It’s essential to take note of the commission percentage that agents offer to the buyer’s side and ensure that it aligns with your financial expectations.
  4. Days on Market: It’s crucial to pay attention to the number of days a home has been listed on the market. Some realtors may accumulate numerous listings without a sense of urgency to sell them. While this may boost their listing count, it doesn’t necessarily benefit either the seller or the buyer.
  5. Sale Price vs. Original List Price: It’s essential to inquire whether your realtor can provide information about the actual selling price compared to the listing price. Engaging in a commission-focused strategy and keeping the property on the market for an extended duration may lead to an overpriced home. It’s crucial to set the right price for your home based on the current market conditions.

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your lakefront property can be a daunting task, but a skilled realtor can guide you through the process and successfully sell your home. Don’t let the quantity of listings a realtor has to be the sole factor influencing your decision to become a homeowner. Instead, get in touch with a reputable realtor at lakehomes.com who has your best interests.

Whiteboard Topics: What to Ask When Selecting an Agent to Sell Your Lake Home

Posted on Zac Parnell

You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid. 

WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…

  1. Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
  2. Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
  3. Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
  4. Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line:  you should want to help yourself. 

CORRECT Questions to Ask:

  1. Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
  2. Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
  3. Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
  4. Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.

While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Secrets to Success as Lake Home Real Estate Agents

Posted on Kenya Spencer

The work of a Lake Homes real estate agent in the real estate industry presents its own set of obstacles and opportunities. These agents, nestled among the tranquil beauty of lakeside properties, are tasked with not only completing property transactions but also creating a smooth experience for their clients. Lake Homes real estate agents must discover the secrets to success that set them apart from the competition in order to fully flourish in this sector. Understanding the discretionary property sales cycle, developing systems for playing the long game, maintaining a laser focus on lakefront properties, and employing national marketing tactics to attract the right buyers are four essential strategies that can propel these agents to new heights.

1. Understanding the Discretionary Property Sales Cycle: Master the nuanced sales cycle of lakefront properties, aligning with seasonal trends and buyer emotions for effective and smart transactions.

2. Systems to “Play the Long Game”: Develop systems for enduring success, such as cultivating buyer databases, nurturing relationships, and consistent follow-ups.

3. Focused on the Lake: Focus expertise on lakefront living details, regulations, and lifestyle benefits to provide tailored guidance to each individual client.

4. National Marketing to the Right Buyers: Utilize marketing and tailored advertising to capture the attention of potential lakefront property buyers.

Success as a Lake Home real estate agent hinges on a combination of specialized knowledge, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of both the market and potential buyers’ desires and dreams of lake homes. By embracing the secrets, successes, and systems, agents can position themselves as trusted experts and elevate their careers in the competitive world of lake home real estate. This intentionally provides a platform for individuals acting as real estate agents, as well as those taking on the roles of buyers and sellers within any real estate market.

Fresh Catch: Perfect Wine Pairings for Fish & Seafood

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
plates of seafood and fish with glasses of wine overlooking lake at sunset
Photo courtesy of OpenTable

Whether you prefer freshwater fish caught from your own lake or succulent market seafood, there’s no better complement to your fresh catch than the perfect bottle of wine. Like wine and cheese, there are endless options to choose from when selecting the perfect wine pairings for fish and seafood. So, to help you navigate the sea of wine selections, here’s an easy shortlist to guide you. Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and it’s always adventurous to experiment with different combinations.

Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, & Fumé Blanc

pan-seared scallops with thyme and pink peppercorn served with Chardonnay
Photo courtesy of Kendall-Jackson
Smoked Trout
Photo courtesy of Vindulge

Starting with a summer classic, Chardonnay—along with these other favorite whites—are the go-to wines for a multitude of fish dishes. A fuller-bodied Pinot Gris or Fumé Blanc complements oilier fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, bluefish, grilled fish, and smoked trout. Yet a rich buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with sweet seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, and even raw oysters. Its slightly oaky flavor also balances well with trout, striped bass, and crappie. Chardonnay is known for pairing well with nutty or buttery flavors, and it also tastes delightful with meaty fish like tuna, halibut, and cod. As journalist and Master of Wine Christy Canterbury said in a Kendall-Jackson post, “Chardonnay is the Meryl Streep of white wines . . .a marvelously versatile white grape variety that can play a diverse array of roles very well.”

Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon Blanc

Cod baked in parchment paper served with Pinot Grigio
Photo courtesy of PA Eats
cornmeal fried catfish with whiskey spiked tartar sauce
Photo courtesy of Gardcornen & Gun

Light and dry, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines are characterized by their high acidity, bright citrus aromas, and crisp minerality. These wine styles are the perfect pairings for white, lean fish such as tilapia, cod, snapper, walleye, halibut, and flounder. Because of their acidity, they are especially prized for balancing the fat in fried fish dishes, catfish, striped bass, deep-fried shrimp, fish and chips, and fish tacos. In addition, these refreshing wines taste excellent with seafood salads and most seafood, including sushi, shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab, mussels, clams, and oysters. To learn more about specific fish and wine pairings, visit VinYang.

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, & Zinfandel

Tuna steak with red wine
Photo courtesy of Getty Via Wine Enthusiast
Pan-seared salmon with corn and pablano salad served with pinot noir
Photo courtesy of Discover California Wines

Yes, you can drink red wines with fish, contrary to popular belief. These light reds are an ideal choice if you’re serving meaty, flavorful, and fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, swordfish, monkfish, marlin, bluefish, or mackerel. Fruity and bright, they can even help tone down the fishiness you can sometimes detect with tuna and salmon. Likewise, rich, tomato-based dishes, paella, and Mediterranean-style fare can stand up remarkably well to light and medium-bodied red wines. In addition to hearty fish, these versatile reds can also complement mussels, oysters, lobster, and delicate poached white fish or salmon. For more on pairing red wine with fish, visit Decanter.

Sparkling Wines

Seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, corn on the cob with champagne
Photo courtesy of Summer Shack
Prawn tempura served with Cava sparkling wine
Photo courtesy of D.O. Cava

You don’t need a special occasion to break out the bubbly. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are perfect on their own but take on an entirely new persona when paired with sweet seafood and shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and prawns. They are also surprisingly delicious with fried foods like tempura seafood and even hearty beer-battered fish. The light and lively fizz of sparkling wines help to balance heavy fried foods and elevate the flavors. Champagne and oysters—another classic pairing—deliver a perfect balance between the crisp and satisfying nature of bubbly with the clean and fresh sea-saltiness of oysters. Pair these effervescent wines with cooked shellfish such as scallops, clams, or mussels for a beautifully balanced taste sensation.

Blush Wines & Rosés

raw oysters on the half shell with rose wine
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Garden
Bluefin tuna with olive, cucumber, and cilantro relish with blush wine
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

Highly versatile and universally popular, blush wines and rosés pair exceptionally well with seafood. Their floral and fruity notes, along with their palatable acidity, bring a beautiful balance to succulent shellfish as well as both subtle and rich seafood. These wines are light and refreshing, so there’s no need to worry that they will ever overpower the delectable flavors of your fresh catch. In fact, they do just the opposite, complementing almost every fish flavor, whether briny or sweet. Plus, they make a crisp substitute for more full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay. Their light blush hues bring delightful color to the table, along with the fresh taste of summer.

For a list of exceptional “No-Fail Seafood & Wine Pairings,” visit Southern Living. Cheers to your delicious culinary adventures at the lake this season—bon appétit!

Top Products for Boat Cleaning

Posted on Noah Ryan
a clean sailboat with the name 'LAQUILA
Courtesy of Sailing Magazine

A day on the lake is all sunshine and relaxation, but owning a boat is more than playing in the water. Proper boat ownership includes maintenance to ensure your vessel’s appearance, longevity, and value. Luckily, there are several tools and cleaners on the market to keep your vessel in pristine condition. Whether you need to remove salt, grime, or mildew, these products are sure to help you.

Boat Cleaner

deck brush cleanign wood
Courtesy of Boating Magazine
man on a boat cleaning a boat
Courtesy of Discover Boating

One of the primary products for boat cleaning is a high-quality boat soap or marine cleaner, like this one from West Marine. These specialized cleaners are designed to effectively remove salt, grime, and other common contaminants found in marine environments. Although formulated to be gentle, this sudsy aid provides thorough cleaning power for exteriors. Boat soaps or marine cleaners are essential for routine maintenance and are typically used for washing the boat’s hull and decks.

Great for both the hull and the floor, this special soap keeps your vessel water ready. But boaters clean a vessel like their teeth — a brush is needed. Most deck brushes feature a multi-bristled head with an extendable body and telescopic handle to reach difficult spots.

Mildew Cleaner

a bottle of Green Sauce by Bling Sauce in front of a boat
person cleaning a seat with green sauce mildew killer
Courtesy of Bling Sauce

One struggle boaters everywhere complain about is mildew. Try as they might, boatowners are bound to miss a spot when cleaning, and that is all it takes for mildew to form. Mildew thrives in damp areas, making vessels a prime location. These boat cleaners remove mildew stains and ward off potential popups. Manufacturers designed these products to be safe on various surfaces and fabrics commonly found on boats. Regular use prevents buildup, eliminates odors, and prolongs the lifespan of cushions and similar items.

Bling Sauce is a brand for and by boaters with a mission to imagine, create, and distribute solutions to boating woes. One of their products, Green Sauce, boasts a biodegradable spray to defeat mildew and mold on your vessel. Their formula is safe for color, vinyl, outdoor fabric, carpet, and fiberglass — all without chlorine, bleach, or ammonia!

Bilge Cleaner

water coming out of a boat
Courtesy of Fresh Water Systems

Readers may have noticed that most boat cleaning tools tend to be soapy liquids, but they are not just to improve aesthetic appeal. One example is the bilge, an area within the boat that collects and pumps out water. Bilge water may contain salt, oil, fuel, or other contaminants that corrode metal components, such as pumps, wiring, and other mechanical systems. By keeping the bilge clear and removing any water or substances that could cause corrosion, you help protect the boat’s components and reduce unnecessary damage.

No need for a lengthy trip to the store or ordering online, as one common bilge cleaner is in the kitchen. Known globally for its part in assisting with the BP oil spill, Dawn Dish Soap is safe for bilges too. To use Dawn for bilge cleaning, add a fair amount of soap to a bucket of water, include a splash of bleach, and soak below.

Glass Cleaner

view from the cabin of a boat with a clean window and the ocean
Courtesy of BoatLife

Just like cars, it’s important to keep your window clear of grime and gunk. Among other things, a traditional windshield will protect from dirt, bugs, and wind, but the windshield on a boat faces different challenges. On the water, glass must be able to withstand saltwater, sea spray, and other environmental elements. Many boat glass cleaners have additional properties that make them effective at sea. Water-repellent helps bead water, encouraging it to roll off the glass surface, which can be particularly useful when boating in wet or rainy conditions.

Chemical Guys offers a series of sprays and cleaners catered toward boaters, and their product, Marine and Boat Optical Clean Glass Cleaner, reduces scratching, prevents water spots, and works for both tinted and non-tinted glass. After treatment, salt and minerals will be unable to stick onto and dry on applied surfaces.

With the right tools, you can enjoy your time on the water while keeping your boat looking its best.