First, there are key activities that should be carried out after every cruise, these can be split into four key areas:

• Outboard
• Tubes
• GRP
• Stainless steel

First, the outboard, this should be flushed with fresh water using a pair of Ear Muff style flushing adapter that fits on the lower unit water pick up, and run your engine at idle speed (in neutral) for at least 5 minutes to flush out any salt. Your owner's manual will give you more information (including important safety precautions) on this procedure.

Second, the tubes should be rinsed with fresh water and dried with a towel to avoid water marks. Once a month the tubes should be cleaned and protected with 3M Outdoor Vinyl Cleaner and 3M Outdoor Vinyl Cleaner and Restorer. Alternatively, Meguiars Vinyl Cleaner and Rubber Conditioner. This will keep your tubes looking nice and help maintain the value of your RIB.

Hypalon tubes can be easy to repair, click here for an illustrated example.

Third, the GRP should be rinsed with fresh water. There are a number of very good quality treatments available, in particular, 3M makes a very good range, including 3M Fibreglass Cleaner Wax and 3M Fibreglass Restorer Wax. These are not cheap, but they are very good.

Damage to a RIB hull made from GRP can be repaired by a competent DIY enthusiat with the right tools, materials and approach. Click here for a guide on how to repair GRP here.

Fourth, your stainless steel should be rinsed with fresh water and dried with a towel to reduce the risk of rusting.

Finally, the best protection is to invest in an overall RIB cover. For a 6.5m RIB this will cost around £500.