Lake Scum

[hercguy]

I just pulled my 23.5 out of the water after being in the lake since March. I took the power washer to the hull to get the scum off the hull and was left with this. Any ideas?

Since I have it out of the water I would also like to put some bottom paint on the boat. Still deciding whether or not to tackle it myself or have it done.

 

[peterbud]

Try mari-kate On Off ot does a good jon on the waterline scum when I pull my boat. Painting the bottom is not tjat nig a deal I do my 22 all the time.

 

[rickk31]

Get a gal. of muratic acid (swimming pool acid) about $7.00 a gal.and a plastic sprayer.It will take it right off and should be enough for 2 cleanings.Don't forget to hold a towel over your mouth and nose when you do it.Let it set for about 5 minutes then spray it off with a water hose

 

[jcrumpley]

As rickk31 said, muriatic acid. I mix it half acid half water in my sprayer. You can buy it at Lowes, Home Depot, etc... Be aware that you don't want to get any on you when doing it, so a non-windy day is good. And of course, do it outside. When you spray it on let it sit until is quits bubbling and then hit it again with the powerwasher. I do this once a year on my boat that is in a lake slip year round. The bottom ends up looking as good as new. Once it is clean, through some good wax on it. Personally, I find for lake sailing, at least in my lake, that cleaning once a year is less hassle than dealing with bottom paint.

 

[kloudie1]

Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is kinda tough on people and trailers! Be really careful playing with that stuff!! I would recommend "Barkeeper's Friend" to remove the tannin stains from the decomposing leaves in the lake water.. Much more friendly for people and trailers.

 

[Ken Prichard]

Aurora Waterline Stain Remover http://www.auroramarine.com/catalog_waterlinestainremover.php
I don't believe there is anything better. I've tried them all and this stuff really does work.

 

[jcrumpley]

Kloudie makes a good point about muriatic acid not being friendly to your trailer. It will leave stains on a galvanized trailer, particularly if you fail to rinse it off well. As far as your skin, it is acid, so it obviously will burn. Long sleeves and rubber gloves are suggested. By the way, that waterline stain remover mentioned above is hydrocloric acid. I use and love the barkeepers friend stuff, but it won't cut through the hard crusty stuff that is on my boat after a year in the water. The muriatic acid does the trick.

 

[spraygun]

This stuff works great. I believe there are three acids all in one.killer cocktail.

 

[rtmccue]

Old mr bar tender cheep and works