Aluminum Toe Rails - Stripes On Sides Of Boat

[John Manard]

We have a First 38 (1984). As water runs through the aluminun toe rails it causes stripes of residue to form on the sides of the boat. Boat soap does not get it off. We routinely scrub the deck. There are no plants or other sources of particularly odd materials in the air in that area. The local boatyard says it is the aluminunm breaking down and that they see it often with aluminum toe rails. Not surprisingly, they claim that the only fix is a polishing and waxing (by them at considerable cost) every six months or so. Any ideas on the cause of the problem, how to prevent it or how to clean the sides in a less expensive way?

 

[Tim]

The old Black Streaks!

What you have is what is known as "Black Streaks"! Yep, the aluminum toerail is the culprit. You'll never stop it. Try some different boat soaps and you might find one that'll get it off. I use "Crystal Boat Wash" that I got a West and it seems to do the trick if you keep at it. If you let them get too bad, you'll have to use "Black Streak Remover" by Star Brite. It says it doesn't take polish off, but I think it does, at least the polish I use. Don't try to save a couple $$ on the West version, I've found it doesn't work as well as Star Brite.Also, I polish my hull once in the Spring before launching with Star Brite Teflon boat polish, and maybe that's helping the soap remove the streaks more easily. Its in a white bottle with black and gold label, says Teflon right on it.Hope that helps!Good luck,Tim