Just curious what product I should use to clean and protect the rub rail on my H380. I used a cleaning product called "tuff enough" which really seemed tolift the dirt/stains right off but I can't seem to find it in Orlando. I would also like a product that will protect it also.... Any Ideas? Brian C. s/v CREW REST
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Dollar Store stuff
I found probably a similar thing at a Dollar Store (or whatever you have in your area like it) that cut the dirt and oxidation on our 1999 H380. It was called mean green and costs $1. Cleans the heck out of anything else that will not clean any other way. Used a 3M scrubbie pad. Should have used rubber gloves. Stuff is pretty potent. Keep from getting on waxed surfaces. After cleaning, washed rub rail with boat soap and water and rinsed well, then waxed with regular stuff I use on the fiberglass. Looked good all summer.
I found probably a similar thing at a Dollar Store (or whatever you have in your area like it) that cut the dirt and oxidation on our 1999 H380. It was called mean green and costs $1. Cleans the heck out of anything else that will not clean any other way. Used a 3M scrubbie pad. Should have used rubber gloves. Stuff is pretty potent. Keep from getting on waxed surfaces. After cleaning, washed rub rail with boat soap and water and rinsed well, then waxed with regular stuff I use on the fiberglass. Looked good all summer.
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Rub Rail Cleaning
I have owned my 460 for the last three years and the rub rail has always been a pain in the rear. I have tried a variety of cleaners. The best so far is Marine Spray Nine available at Boat US, which works very well with little manuel labor. The Island Girl product line works well but is alot of effort. Hunter has gone to a new material for the rub rail possibly to solve the maintenance issue.
I have owned my 460 for the last three years and the rub rail has always been a pain in the rear. I have tried a variety of cleaners. The best so far is Marine Spray Nine available at Boat US, which works very well with little manuel labor. The Island Girl product line works well but is alot of effort. Hunter has gone to a new material for the rub rail possibly to solve the maintenance issue.
Sealing the rub-rail surface
These vinyl rub-rails will also "go bad" again quickly unless the surface is physically sealed to prevent more of the plasticizer coming to the surface. This is similar to fenders, lifelines etc. If you already have IG product, seal with Silkenseal- even better then seal over THAT with a little Superglaze (you will only need about an ounce!). Mean Green and other "strong" cleaners rely on polysolve EM and a little caustic, with detergent. VERY cheap to make and use but use gloves the EM a health hazard. Unlike 303 (really a protectant, not a cleaner) or our Sea glow there is no UV protection. Jim W
These vinyl rub-rails will also "go bad" again quickly unless the surface is physically sealed to prevent more of the plasticizer coming to the surface. This is similar to fenders, lifelines etc. If you already have IG product, seal with Silkenseal- even better then seal over THAT with a little Superglaze (you will only need about an ounce!). Mean Green and other "strong" cleaners rely on polysolve EM and a little caustic, with detergent. VERY cheap to make and use but use gloves the EM a health hazard. Unlike 303 (really a protectant, not a cleaner) or our Sea glow there is no UV protection. Jim W
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