So we arrived at our destination where the marina has floating docks and I forgot to put our fenders out before docking. So we have these nasty rubber marks on the hull. What's the best product and way to clean off the scuff marks? Photo attached.
Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull?
- Thread starter luken7
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Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
This is my first choice: http://www.iboats.com/Ez-On-Ez-Off-Hull-And-Bottom-Cleaner/dm/view_id.39964. But what always works is wet sanding with 600 paper.
This is my first choice: http://www.iboats.com/Ez-On-Ez-Off-Hull-And-Bottom-Cleaner/dm/view_id.39964. But what always works is wet sanding with 600 paper.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
Mister Clean, Magic Eraser works very good, it's a little sponge. quick and easy
Mister Clean, Magic Eraser works very good, it's a little sponge. quick and easy
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
We've used acetone for those scrapes for years.
We've used acetone for those scrapes for years.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
... or if you already have lacquer thinner amongst your paint supply, it also nicely removes rubber dock edge scuff marks from the hull.
Just wet a soft rag or paper towel with the solvent and wipe off the scuffs.
Besides removing the scuff marks, acetone (or lacquer thinner) also will diminish the wax protection that is on the hull. So, depending on the condition of your gel-coat, you may notice a change in the gloss level. Just re-wax the area to restore.
A can of lacquer thinner is standard equipment on my boat for dock encounter remediation. With the frequently strong cross wind at my berth, and even with fenders deployed, I need to remove dock scuffs more frequently than I would like to admit. Actually just as many of my scuffs occur backing out before I have enough speed up for the rudder to work against the effects of both the cross wind and the reverse prop walk. The fenders cushion between the dock and hull at first, but they ride up on to the dock as the boat moves out. Then its just hull verses dock.
... or if you already have lacquer thinner amongst your paint supply, it also nicely removes rubber dock edge scuff marks from the hull.
Just wet a soft rag or paper towel with the solvent and wipe off the scuffs.
Besides removing the scuff marks, acetone (or lacquer thinner) also will diminish the wax protection that is on the hull. So, depending on the condition of your gel-coat, you may notice a change in the gloss level. Just re-wax the area to restore.
A can of lacquer thinner is standard equipment on my boat for dock encounter remediation. With the frequently strong cross wind at my berth, and even with fenders deployed, I need to remove dock scuffs more frequently than I would like to admit. Actually just as many of my scuffs occur backing out before I have enough speed up for the rudder to work against the effects of both the cross wind and the reverse prop walk. The fenders cushion between the dock and hull at first, but they ride up on to the dock as the boat moves out. Then its just hull verses dock.
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Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
Luke:
Please just use a very small amount (acetone) on a clean rag. Be aware of the fumes too.
You may want to re-apply wax if you hull is waxed.
Luke:
Please just use a very small amount (acetone) on a clean rag. Be aware of the fumes too.
You may want to re-apply wax if you hull is waxed.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
Steve's right. Read the label on the can and protect your fingers. But I do that with anything that comes out of a can from ACE Hardware --- my favorite boating store!
Steve's right. Read the label on the can and protect your fingers. But I do that with anything that comes out of a can from ACE Hardware --- my favorite boating store!
Clean rag...definitely. A dirty rag will just spread the mess around. I usually keep a "box of rags" that you can get at any home improvement store (paint section, usually) so I have plenty of clean ones on hand.Steve Dion said:
I don't know if it's an ACE Hardware thing, Stu, but our ACE is well stocked with marine hardware also and I find myself buying from there as much as I do from WM and Defender.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
The 'rubber' used on most docks is PVC. Although Acetone will dissolve most of these 'blemishes' a much better product to use is Interlux 2233N, a solvent used for 2 part urethanes and epoxies.
The 'rubber' used on most docks is PVC. Although Acetone will dissolve most of these 'blemishes' a much better product to use is Interlux 2233N, a solvent used for 2 part urethanes and epoxies.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
Acetone works well on petroleum based marks. For organic stuff, like algae... acid based cleaners (diluted, of course)... will effortlessly remove it. As always..... rinse with fresh water after using.
Acetone works well on petroleum based marks. For organic stuff, like algae... acid based cleaners (diluted, of course)... will effortlessly remove it. As always..... rinse with fresh water after using.
Re: Best way to clean scuffs from floating dock on your hull
I had a huge scuff mark that a charter left on Emmanuel's hull last year. I used a razor blade in a hand held scraper and that worked really well. After scraping I went over the area with that 3M One step cleaner wax. It came out great. I did it that way because I always end up messing something up with solvents. Quick, easy and no smell.
I had a huge scuff mark that a charter left on Emmanuel's hull last year. I used a razor blade in a hand held scraper and that worked really well. After scraping I went over the area with that 3M One step cleaner wax. It came out great. I did it that way because I always end up messing something up with solvents. Quick, easy and no smell.
I agree with Jerry A. Take a very small amount of liquid medium grit rubbing compound on a wet rag and rub lightly. It all comes off with no damage to your gelocat. Follow with some spray wax. Magic. Goodluck and good sailing, Ron
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