We just had SV Good News brought up from Southern California, which involved a couple of weeks of ocean and/or anchored exposure (in contrast to a slip at Shelter Island with fresh water wash availabe.) After the pounding north we have obvious rust streaks coming off the stern ladderwhere it attaches to the stern. It looks awful. On close examination I also found what appear to be specks of rust in various locations on the deck, almost like rust flecks from a salt shaker in the scuppers. My plan is to clean everything well, but I suspect I will have to remove the ladder to get to the problem on the stern. Can you suggest specific cleaning products for removing the rust, particularly around the name on the stern? What approach would you take with the stern ladder? It appears to be mounted with stainless screws (not bolts?) through the stern into marine plywood inside the lazerette. Should I remove it and replace the screws? Suggestions welcomes. Sanders LaMont Sacramento
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No help here.
One advantage of being on an inland pond, no salt water. But I would trade for SF Bay, even with the rust.
Is it the ladder or the bolts(screws?)? Seems like stainless should not do that. And where is it coming from on deck? You might want to search the "Forum Archives" and also post the question over in the Expert Forum about Gel Coat. Once you get the rust marks off then a coating of Island Girl or Poli-Glo(see Related Link) should make it easier to clean if it recurs.
One advantage of being on an inland pond, no salt water. But I would trade for SF Bay, even with the rust.
Is it the ladder or the bolts(screws?)? Seems like stainless should not do that. And where is it coming from on deck? You might want to search the "Forum Archives" and also post the question over in the Expert Forum about Gel Coat. Once you get the rust marks off then a coating of Island Girl or Poli-Glo(see Related Link) should make it easier to clean if it recurs.Rust......
I've had the same rust problem at the transom; seems the bolts/screws either are not 316-SS or equivalent, or maybe the nuts on the inside....?? Anyway, I've found that acid is the best rust remover for gelcoat. Try a little dilute HCl or muriatic pool acid. It should get rid of the rust and not harm the gelcoat (don't know about any painted or vinyl graphics though). Vinegar might work too, but it might take a little more elbow grease.
I've had the same rust problem at the transom; seems the bolts/screws either are not 316-SS or equivalent, or maybe the nuts on the inside....?? Anyway, I've found that acid is the best rust remover for gelcoat. Try a little dilute HCl or muriatic pool acid. It should get rid of the rust and not harm the gelcoat (don't know about any painted or vinyl graphics though). Vinegar might work too, but it might take a little more elbow grease.
Deck rust or ...
Ran into small reddish/tan specs on my deck too a while back, mostly aft. Not sure, but I think it was the coating from the teak on deck coming off then sticking to the deck. I believe it eventually washed off, I'll check tomarrow. Ken
Ran into small reddish/tan specs on my deck too a while back, mostly aft. Not sure, but I think it was the coating from the teak on deck coming off then sticking to the deck. I believe it eventually washed off, I'll check tomarrow. Ken
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