Mold/Teak

dlochner · Nov 21, 2018

Kerrymorganandersen said:
I have stumbled upon a skipper 20 with a sagging headliner. I removed headliner to find the whole cabin ceiling covered in mold. what are the best way to kill mold? Bleach?

Take a look at Practical Sailor and Formula B. It is a mold killer that is based on Borax. Much kinder to humans than bleach, just as effective.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Nov 21, 2018

as a replacement for Teak, I've been using a south American wood called Ipe. Finishes like teak. VERY very hard though- use carbide tools

Often used as dock boards now

Ken Cross · Nov 21, 2018

Our department of health says one teaspoon of bleach for each gallon of cool water is even safe for dishes (assuming you let them dry.) I've successfully used bleach water in a sprayer. Vinegar also works from a garden sprayer, but I understand it takes a stronger mix. Please be careful breathing around that stuff. I've had pneumonia twice from breathing mold. It's no fun.

For wood, it's really up to your taste and budget. Teak is known for not rotting like some other wood.
Ken

jssailem · Nov 21, 2018

Vinegar is easy to use, distilled vinegar and water. No smell. Spray and Wipe down all surfaces.

dLj · Nov 21, 2018

Kerrymorganandersen said:
we are from New orleans area we were thinking about replacing with cypress? any thought?

Looks like Cypress might be a good choice. I personally haven't used it in boatbuilding, but the data on it looks quite good. You are using it on an interior application. Go for it!

dj

jssailem · Nov 21, 2018

@Kerrymorganandersen
Both vinegar (an acid) and bleach (a base) will disrupt the ph of mold killing it and allowing you to clean up your boat. Just never use them together.

The Formula B is also good for the problem you have, probably with fewer risks and longer duration. One of the benefits of borax.

Just wear breathing protection and maintain a well ventilated space while correcting the problem.

31seahorse · Nov 21, 2018

Hello Kerrymorgananderson and welcome to the SBO forums.

We replaced headliners on two boats after cleaning the interior. I cannot remember the cleaning chemical, but I suspect Lysol spray was the weapon of choice. Better to follow the other suggestions here for disinfecting. However, spray adhesive worked very well on a carpet-type headliner, but the same spray did not work on a vinyl headliner. Florida summer heat made the glue lose its hold. The installation wasn't too difficult after the first area was attached. In the smaller boat we started at the aft of the cabin, while in the larger boat we started in the V berth. In each case we covered half the cabin (either port or starboard) first. If the seam along the centerline was visible we covered it with a wooden strip. With the carpet covering it was easier to disguise the seam. Check for leaks and address them before installing the liner.

dLj · Nov 21, 2018

I wouldn't use teak in any case. I'd use Ipe, or several other woods. But Cypress actually looks like an excellent wood in this application. Just my 2 cents worth.

dj

Terry Cox · Nov 21, 2018

Our boat had some mold when we purchased her in 2002. Then we used Soft Scrub brand kitchen cleaner. Did a nice job ridding the boat of the mold but also stopped future mold from taking hold. Over the years I've kept a drier on in each cabin along with a space heater set on low to avoid freezing during the winter months. Also keep a hatch cracked open to let any moist air escape.

BigEasy · Nov 21, 2018

Kerry,
Is the teak so badly damaged that it can’t be refurbished?

LeslieTroyer · Nov 21, 2018

Ipe is very very heavy - you will add weight to the boat. It’s hard on blades. I made some doorboards for @jssailem out of it - look good but not real functional due to weight. Ipe is traditionally used for cap and rub rails on boats, where it goes by the name iron wood.

It turns grey like teak if not maintained, and cities like South Beach, Fl use it for boardwalk decks.

Les

thinwater · Nov 21, 2018

a. The weakness of bleach is that it has very poor penetrating power. It will kill what is on the surface, but not the roots.
b. If you read the Hallberg Rassy manual for teak maintenance, the recommended product (Boracol) is based on borax. They know more about teak than any of us.

You can Google DIY versions of Boracol. Borax and boric acid are dissolved in ethylene glycol using heat, forming borate esters. This can be diluted in water to make an effective penetrating preservative.

The problem with vinegar is that in damp circumstances, it becomes mold food, increasing growth. But obviously you need to solve the dampness problem too.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2016/12/mildew-treatment-for-pennies.html

Whatfiero1 · Nov 22, 2018

Gel toilet bowel cleaner. With bleach. Roll on roof top with paint roller thick knap let sit a whole day then rince with hose.

dlochner · Nov 22, 2018

Kerrymorganandersen said:
Well it’s there but broken in sections. I will remove this weekend and send more pics to u. I do have a question though. Why is there a 3/8 plywood under port holes and going towards bow? Because it is rotten and causing this mold plus all the humidity in south Louisiana

If the plywood is deep inside the hull to deck joint it may be there to stiffen the joint. Or it may be there to provide a more consistent corner for the headliner to wrap around. The piece below the deck joint looks like it is there to secure the headliner or a fancy trim piece.

As you put the boat back together, think about ventilation. More ventilation means less mold and mildew.

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