Hull Cleaning

[Dave]

After inspecting my boat, after a long winter, I see that there are many "soot" spots over the deck and cockpit. Probably due to nearby users of diesel heaters. Question? Does anyone have a sure cure for cutting the soot, short of using a rubbing compound? Thanks!

 

[Joe Luciano]

Here's what I use

For spots and stains on my boat I use a professional auto body product made by PPG. It goes by their number DRX16. It is a polishing compound, but I find it to be very mild on the finish without alot of grit like many rubbing compounds. It is white in color and not very expensive. Only down side is you need to re-apply your wax after using it. You can find it at any autobody supply store.

 

[mjbliemel]

Might try this

I have heard also that Scrubbing Bubbles works very well for this. Haven't used it myself though.

 

[Randy]

Industrial pollution

A few years back I purchased my C 27 on the Delaware River near Philadelphia. The hull had a sticky film of pollution all over it. Auto exhaust, factory emissions, jet planes, etc.  Simple washing wouldn't remove it, so I resorted to my old standy-by: Meguiar's Cleaner Wax for fiberglass. A thorough application by hand with clean cotton towels removed the pollution film, and brightened up the fiberglass. I normally wax my topsides (not non-skid) once per year with the Meguiars, and it keeps the boat looking sharp. Once the wax has been applied, the boat is much easier to keep clean, as dirt washes off readily.Randy

 

[John Eastin]

Simple Green

I've had a lot of exceptional results using simple green as my primary cleaner. It's safe for the environment and does a great job of loosening almost everything especially if poured directly on a trouble spot and allowed to soak but not dry. I've also used WD40 as a spot treatment on occasion when I've found tar and/or creosote on the boat. (Our pilings are creosoted and the birds like to fly from them onto our nice white deck.)

 

[Steve Rosenthal]

DECK SCRUB

I found about the best peoduct I had ever used on my boat at Sail Expo In A/C this last January. It's called Deck Scrub. Truly an effective detergent not only for the deck but all purpose too. It comes in a tub I think it's 2 lbs. Sprinkle it on the deck and use a brush, mop or whatever and hose it off. Pretty amazing results.It is made from plant seed enzymes or something to that extent. The company who sold it at the show is Everything Boats for Less. (www.eb4l.com). It is made by Worldwide Environmental (www.wepi.us). Anyway... give it a try.Good luck, Steve