Dirty bottom

[patrickince]

Hauled the boat out for the winter and had a big surprise. The Power washer would not take the Algie off. It is like it is baked on. It is mainly around the bow and about 1 ft below waterline. Someone said it was an electrical problem. We did trip the shore power a few times this summer under heavy loads. We used our regular anti fowling and sail in the fresh water of Lake Huron. Both of the boats beside us are still in so I have not seen their bottoms yet.

Where should I begin?

 

[Rich Stidger]

Do you have a picture?

I once moored in a river that was brackish - both salt and fresh water. I had some dark stuff that absolutely awful getting off. I only had it that one time for a haul-out and prep/bottom paint. The brackish water may not have had anything to do with the dark deposits on the bottom, but I never found a more likely cause.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

If it is a discoloration, is brownish and no appreciable buildup try Iron Out. This is usually available in the laundry detergent section. Mix it with water in a garden sprayer and spray it on. The stain will magically disappear without any scrubbing.

 

[isaksp00]

There is some kind of acid our yard uses - it may be muriatic acid? I know that when I tried with a standard electric powerwasher and just water it was tough and did not come off entirely, but when they did it with whatever acid they used and also a much larger gas powerwasher it came quite clean.

 

[patrickince]

Thanks for the replies. I will get a picture next time I am up at the boat to give a better idea of what I am dealing with.