Power washing

[SantaCruzS2]

Is it okay to power wash a fiberglass boat?

Problem: Redwood stain. Tannic (tannin) acid from redwood trees have stained, like polka dots all over the top of the boat.

Suggestions, thoughts, comments?

Thanks.

 

[Steve Dion]

Try some Oxalic Acid. You can purchase the powdered version on ebay. It is about $3-5 per pound.

http://cgi.ebay.com/OXALIC-ACID-RUS...in_0?hash=item33548a1b5f&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

 

[SantaCruzS2]

Good to know, however, I was under the impression that Oxalic acid was for wood only, not fiberglass?

 

[Steve Dion]

It is one of the main ingredients in the non-skid cleaners.

 

[Steve Dion]

here is some other info about fiberglass cleaning.

http://www.epinions.com/content_1594597508

 

[George H260]

I powerwash my boat at the end of the season and it works great with no apparent damage. However, there is usually a green tint to the hull that is removed by "Slimy Grimy" - an amazing product that removes organic stains such as algae. I'd try this if normal household cleaners don't work.

 

[Capn Dave]

You can pressure wash

till the cows come home, but it wont remove tannin stains. You can use what Main Sail uses, Mary Kate On-Off Hull Cleaner, which works great for about $12.00 a pop or you can use Sno-Bowl toliet bowl cleaner for about $1.50 a pop. This also works great. your call.

Fair Winds
Dave

 

[Warren Milberg]

If you powerwash the deck of your boat, be really careful of anything that is caulked (i.e., ports, stanchions, hatches, etc.) as most powerwashers will remove it (don't ask me how I know....).