I'm looking for a good, reasonably priced household cleaner that can tackle the greenish algae/gunk that grows along my fiberglass hull at waterline and won't take off any of the below waterline antifouling paint. I hate to sand or risk acids, but haven't had much luck with the West Marine fiberglass restorer.
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R
Rick Ellis
G
Gary
Hull cleaners
I use a product called Delete. It is a polishing cleanser used to clean smooth top stoves but I find it is great for cleaning fiberglass boat bottoms, and it doesn't hurt the gell coat. A little bit goes along way and makes the hull look like new again. Then you put some Johnsons J-Wax on and your set to go.
I use a product called Delete. It is a polishing cleanser used to clean smooth top stoves but I find it is great for cleaning fiberglass boat bottoms, and it doesn't hurt the gell coat. A little bit goes along way and makes the hull look like new again. Then you put some Johnsons J-Wax on and your set to go.
D
Doug Winner
FSR
If its that green/brown film try FRS from West Marine - worked wonders for me and didn't harm the gelcoat. - DSW
If its that green/brown film try FRS from West Marine - worked wonders for me and didn't harm the gelcoat. - DSW
J
Jack Tyler
Cleaning biologics are removing stains?
John, maybe I'm reading your post wrong but your "greenish algae/gunk" sounds to me like biologics (growth) while most of these suggestions relate to removing stains. If it's stain you want to remove, bypass the mfgrs. products and pick up some powdered oxalic acid. Dilute in water, add some mild detergent if you want to lift off dirt, and wipe down. Give it a minute or two and the stains will go away...but scrub more if you're into dirt removal, as well. If it's biologics you want to remove, that's a mechanical task (altho' it might involve needing to remove stains, as well). Jack
John, maybe I'm reading your post wrong but your "greenish algae/gunk" sounds to me like biologics (growth) while most of these suggestions relate to removing stains. If it's stain you want to remove, bypass the mfgrs. products and pick up some powdered oxalic acid. Dilute in water, add some mild detergent if you want to lift off dirt, and wipe down. Give it a minute or two and the stains will go away...but scrub more if you're into dirt removal, as well. If it's biologics you want to remove, that's a mechanical task (altho' it might involve needing to remove stains, as well). Jack
Simple Green Automotive Degreaser
Hi John: Sounds silly, but it won't cost much to try it. You can get it at any automotive supply store for around 3 bucks a quart in a spray bottle. I have a 21 year old boat and use it exclusively, not finding anything organic that it won't take off as of yet. Works great on scupper drain marks too. There are no acids and it is a spray on, light scrubbing and rinse off. Don't confuse this stuff with regular Simple Green. If you try it and it works, pass the information along, it'll put a lot of these so called expensive marine grade cleaners out of business.
Hi John: Sounds silly, but it won't cost much to try it. You can get it at any automotive supply store for around 3 bucks a quart in a spray bottle. I have a 21 year old boat and use it exclusively, not finding anything organic that it won't take off as of yet. Works great on scupper drain marks too. There are no acids and it is a spray on, light scrubbing and rinse off. Don't confuse this stuff with regular Simple Green. If you try it and it works, pass the information along, it'll put a lot of these so called expensive marine grade cleaners out of business.
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