algae

[Jim Hughes]

I just pulled my boat from a lake,and the hull and rudder are covered with algae.I took soom tide and water,with a soft brush and washed the boat.I got the algae off the hull,but there's a muddy looking stain in the hull,and the rudder still has a bit of algae on it.The boat was only in the lake for a month.Is there something that will clean this,or is this a common problem.I tried bleach on soom scotchbrite,and it didn't help at all. - help wanted - Jim

 

[Ray Bowles]

Jim, It sounds like you have no bottom paint.

If the stain is in/on the bottom gel coat it could require a light cleaning compound to remove. These are called cleaners etc. when used in a three part exterior waxing group. The cleaner is a rubbing compound that is followed by a color restorer and wax. Check the archives or look in the chandlery for Island girl products.You might consider aa epoxy job and ablative bottom paint before you chose to wax.If you have ablative paint on now then scotch bright pads will remove the outer paint layer and stain. If it has paint that is not ablative then you sand.Ray

 

[Drew]

bottom stains

I owuld also try a toilet bowl cleaner called "the works". I had the same stain between my boot stripe and the bottom paint. Tis took the stain right off. As always, test a small amount in a hiddenplace to make sure it does not harm your finisih. It worked very well on mine, just do not leave it on to long since it is caustic.

 

[Jim Willis]

Oxalic acid based "stain removers"

These do work to remove most stains from gelcoat but repeated use can eventually make the gelcoat more porous. Davis FSR is one, I think that "on and Off" is similarly based.A good idea to use protective paint if the boat is in the water for that long. You should have an epoxy barrier coat (two part) followed by bottom paint that inhibits algae and barnacle growth. Some bottom paints contain irgarol and algicide.Water line stains are a different matter. I would like people to let me know their experiences with waxes, sealants (e.g. acrylics like poliglow or newglass, vertglass) or our IG Superwax or (new) Superglaze. In theory these should prevent stain penetration into the pores of the gelcoat.ThanksALW

 

[Jim Hughes]

I'm the one that asked about algae.Some are saying bottom paint.My boat is a 21ft.venture on a trailer.I left it in the water for a month,so I could get off work,drive to the lake and go sailing,2or3 times a week.The lakes 1hr. from where I live.The hull was white but is now a muddy color (water line and below) Isn't there a cleaner and wax that would prevent this from happening, if I was to do this again next year, without having to put bottom paint on? Jim

 

[Jim Willis]

Want to try some Mirror Hard Sperglaze ?

I really would like to know if algae and tannin stains on gelcoat could be prevented by a sealing coat of some type.I looking for a few people who would test this new product side by side with (say) wax. This is sort of the way that the non-skid sealant got optimized.ThanksJim W

 

[Joe R., SV Skooky 3 - Cat 30]

oil film

you may have picked up some exhaust oil or atmospheric gunk on the surface of the water.