I have a 93 Hunter 35.5 in great shape. It was hauled out last year, and we have a diver clean the bottom once every 2-3 months. Lately I have noticed a yellowing on the gel coat at the bow just above the water line which seems to have appeared over the course of the year. Someone referred to this as the boat's "mustache" and that this was a problem with the gel coat and a function of age. I have not tried to remove it yet. Of course I have noticed other boats with this problem, but it did not seem to be a function of age. Is there a way to remove this, or do we have a more serious problem with the gel coat? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jon
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Can't blame the navy.
Jon: I assume that this is caused from petroleum products in the water. We haven't ever had it but you sure see plenty of boats with the problem. I think that you might think about checking with the folks at West Marine in Oakland. I am sure that a lot of other boats have this problem and they have a solution. You mite want to research the archives too for the solution.
Jon: I assume that this is caused from petroleum products in the water. We haven't ever had it but you sure see plenty of boats with the problem. I think that you might think about checking with the folks at West Marine in Oakland. I am sure that a lot of other boats have this problem and they have a solution. You mite want to research the archives too for the solution.
the yellow line
had the same problem on our 33. tried every thing. guess what worked.... no not bleach or chlorine or ompoundind or fiberglass cleaner.. GO buy some lysol bathroom tub and basin cleaner in the green bottle at the grocery store. its the kind that you pump spray on. use a regular sponge with the scrubber on the back side. spray on and cover with lots of foam then gently scrub..... guess what it is off within minutes the whole boat.... then wax with a marine wax our boat looks new good luck
had the same problem on our 33. tried every thing. guess what worked.... no not bleach or chlorine or ompoundind or fiberglass cleaner.. GO buy some lysol bathroom tub and basin cleaner in the green bottle at the grocery store. its the kind that you pump spray on. use a regular sponge with the scrubber on the back side. spray on and cover with lots of foam then gently scrub..... guess what it is off within minutes the whole boat.... then wax with a marine wax our boat looks new good luck
had the same myself
and it was suggested any acid base liquid could clean it off. Even lemon juice. Muriatic acid takes it off in seconds but its nasty stuff. I haven't tried the lemon but hey its worth a try. Eric Linklater Worlds Away
and it was suggested any acid base liquid could clean it off. Even lemon juice. Muriatic acid takes it off in seconds but its nasty stuff. I haven't tried the lemon but hey its worth a try. Eric Linklater Worlds Away
Use FSR Cleaner
The problem described is probably caused by micro organisms on the gel coat. Get some FSR cleaner (Fiberglass and Stain Remover) made by Davis Instruments - should be available in marine stores such as West Marine. It comes in a small plastic container. Application is simple, just rub it on and in seconds the stain is totally gone. Rince thoroughly.
The problem described is probably caused by micro organisms on the gel coat. Get some FSR cleaner (Fiberglass and Stain Remover) made by Davis Instruments - should be available in marine stores such as West Marine. It comes in a small plastic container. Application is simple, just rub it on and in seconds the stain is totally gone. Rince thoroughly.
Maybe wetsand.
Well, if all the above fail and it turns out that the yellowing is actually in the glecoat itself rather than a surface stain, gelcoat will withstand very gletle wetsanding pretty well. Use a rather fine grit to begin (1200 or 800) and increase the elbow grease as necessary. Try this in just one spot as a test and see if the yellow is gone. Once done, a mild compound followed by cleaner/wax (such as 3M One Step) will bring the shine back.
Well, if all the above fail and it turns out that the yellowing is actually in the glecoat itself rather than a surface stain, gelcoat will withstand very gletle wetsanding pretty well. Use a rather fine grit to begin (1200 or 800) and increase the elbow grease as necessary. Try this in just one spot as a test and see if the yellow is gone. Once done, a mild compound followed by cleaner/wax (such as 3M One Step) will bring the shine back.
Stain in gel coat
I hade the same thing. I just used a buffer and rubbing compound. the stain is from the oils in the water. If you use rubbing compound (3M) and then keep it wax it should not come back. Good luck
I hade the same thing. I just used a buffer and rubbing compound. the stain is from the oils in the water. If you use rubbing compound (3M) and then keep it wax it should not come back. Good luck
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