Mississippi Mud

[JWH2050]

I made a trip down the Mississippi River last fall and I'm still trying to get the mud ring off the hull. I have been using a wash from lowes with a scrubby but there is still some brown stains on the bottom. Also on the deck there are grey spots that keep coming back. I can power wash most of those but is there anything to prevent their return besides a lot of elbow grease? I was getting ready to launch with the weather in the 70's the last few days but now the temp has dropped to 36 this afternoon. It's still better that the -16 and two feet of snow we had two weeks ago.

 

[RichH]

Those brown stains may be 'tannins' .. from rotting wood and leaves that is dissolved in the water. Tannin stains can easily be removed by any detergent or bleach, etc. containing *oxalic acid*, also available in dry powder form in a paint or hardware store as "wood bleach".

To prevent the future staining from tannins, etc. ... make sure the 'microscopic pores' of the gelcoat are 'sealed' .... WAX the boat (after bleaching with oxalic acid).

 

[Ron20324]

On and Off is the marine stuff that is caustic but works in seconds without scrubbing.

 

[shemandr]

I often see the tannin stain on the bow of boats which approximates the shape of the bow wave. I think mostly these boats are on moorings and don't get rinsed enough. I'm always careful to rinse with freshwater even if I only have time for the bow. Of course, I wax in the spring. I make sure that bow wave area gets ample wax.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I often see the tannin stain on the bow of boats which approximates the shape of the bow wave.

I call it our mustache! Ron's right, On & Off works very well, as does FSR. Then wax, wax, wax. If you don't wax, it comes back very quickly.

 

[Joe]

As Rich stated, the stain is probably organic... like algae.. So...
Try anything with acid in it..... such as commercial toilet bowl cleaner... available at any restaurant or janitorial supply house, like Smart & Final, works well and is very inexpensive.

My experience is: any stain that is organic...use some kind of acid based cleaner.. petroleum or rubber stains... acetone is the ticket.

 

[mccauley13]

John, when you decide to get wet let me know if you need any help. Going out this afternoon for a couple of hours after lunch if you can get away. Will be flying the drifter sail b/c winds are going to be light. Shoud be a great sight from the beach.