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Author Topic:   Cleaning Tips

nats posted 01-26-2009 12:51 PM ET (US)
I recently got a boat that has been sitting for [at least] a year uncovered, and as you can imagine the boat got very dirty. The non-skid floor area is very dirty. [Are there] any secrets or soaps that make it easier to clean? I have a pressure washer, and maybe that is the way to go. But as always you guys and gals always come up with some ideas that make things a little easier. Thanks
scottfarm posted 01-26-2009 01:08 PM ET (US)
Bleach. Mix it half and half, spray on and let it sit for 5 minutes scrub and rinse off.
Tohsgib posted 01-26-2009 01:26 PM ET (US)
Sure use the powerwasher but if really dirty and nasty try a souring powder or Bar Keeper's Friend if bleach is not cutting it. Either way it can dull the gel and will need to be buffed out. Being it sat uncovered for a year I bet it needs a good buffing anyway. The clorox or whatever powder acts like a mild wet sanding as well so it actualy makes it easier to buff in most cases.
BlueMax posted 01-26-2009 02:17 PM ET (US)
BW states not to use bleach as it will destroy the gel coat but I use a bit of it (Clorox spray bottle) on my non-skid when I need to. I have read many here recommend cleaners such as Star Brite and Bar Keeper's Friend, or you can try something like Simple Green, greased lightning, purple power etc. Beware of cleaners with oxalic acid - use a highly diluted concentrate and don't let it sit for very long as the acid can also eat the wax and gel coat.
If you use a pressure washer ensure that you use the wide angle spray tip (30-40 degree?) and, depending on the psi of the washer, stay a few feet (maybe two) from the surface. The pressure washer may be good bet for cleaning the crevices of non-skid but be aware of any cracks or other type damage that may allow water intrusion especially if you intend to use pressurized water as it can be forced into the hull and cause damage such as blistering.
And of course - put a good coat of wax on it when you are done doing wahtever you do to it.
Max
BlueMax posted 01-26-2009 02:30 PM ET (US)
PS - I also use a stiff nylon brush on my non-skid for getting trapped or ground in dirt. The one I have has an extendable handle that you can attach the garden hose to in order to flush as well, but mostly I found having the hose attached was a pain in the butt while trying to scrub the deck, so now I hose the deck down initially and then as needed while I scrub, or just set the hose up on the bow and let it continue to flow while I scrub whick allows everything (soap suds and dirt) to wash down and out the drain in the stern.
L H G posted 01-26-2009 07:06 PM ET (US)
I believe the recommendations [to use bleach or other abrasive claners] should be ignored, unless the boat is so trashed that won't hurt it anyway.
But if it's in decent condition, stay away from bleach and abrasives. I just bought a Whaler with *25 YEARS * of storage dirt on it, knowing that underneath the dirt the boat was pristine. I used the "purple stuff", AKA Castrol Degreaser in the purple bottle. A few others make the same product in a purple bottle. This stuff cleans dirt and grime off a boat and non-skid like you wouldn't believe. Spray it on, scrub and rinse.
newt posted 01-26-2009 07:52 PM ET (US)
If I were in your shoes and I have been three times before, my first step would be the pressure washer followed by scrubbing with lots of soap and the purple stuff and some bleach if need be. After you get it clean, be sure to polish and wax as it makes all subsequent cleanings much easier.
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2009 11:30 AM ET (US)
Guys...I have used straight bleach on all my boats since I started driving them 30+ years ago. I have no idea what they are talking about that bleach hurts the gel nor have I ever seen it hurt anything besides the wax. My boats are a 1976 and 1981 and will buff out like new to this day. The reason I use bleach is because we have oak trees and NOTHING will remove the leaf stains as quickly with no abrassives than bleach. If you have a PRISTINE boat then you would not need bleach or abrassives because the dirt and grime would simply wash away. When a boat has been sitting uncovered for a year it is not going to be PRISTINE and therefore who gives a crap...get it clean and buff it out. It is a boat, not a friggin Ferrari.
L H G posted 01-27-2009 12:19 PM ET (US)
Nick - My boats ARE Bristol Ferrari's!
Next time try the purple bottle stuff for your leaves. You'll be amazed. When I bought my 18 Outrage new in 1986, for three years I used a bleach containing cleaner on the non-skid, and it DID damage it. It has lost it's gloss, and the surface has been degraded and eroded. If you saw it, you'd know what I mean. Whaler knows what they're talking about saying not to use bleach on gelcoat.
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2009 12:33 PM ET (US)
What purple stuff. They make like 3 different kinds. Castrol GTX superclean came in a purple bottle but is no longer available. The stuff woul turn polished alum white and strip the paint off of license plates...man did it clean up stuff though. Then there is this purple bottle stuff but nobody seems to know if it works. I have tried the orange degreaser stuff which is pretty good but not sure if any better than simple green which is OK but not great. I also treid this stuff called Royal purple I think and it sucked.
Ritzyrags posted 01-27-2009 01:42 PM ET (US)
Well,
"To Bleach or not To Bleach" is the question.
I am not for or against this proposed solution to grime and stains.
I am known to have used "Basic H" successfully in the scrub down of my whole unit and it has worked reasonably well..
I have realized that there is nothing like wet sanding with the finest grit to remove just about anything from my surfaces and this including small scratches.
Another product that has worked very well for me in reconditioning gel coating has been Penetrol made by Flood;
A quality paint conditioner that was introduced to me by a good buddy from C. River that I have lost touch with..
If you are still on this list, Thanks again...
Serge.
BlueMax posted 01-27-2009 02:51 PM ET (US)
"To Bleach or Not To Bleach, That is the Question"
Awseome, Ritz. Just Awesome.
^@^
L H G posted 01-27-2009 04:13 PM ET (US)
Nick - the purple bottle stuff is "Castrol Degreaser", and "Greased Lightning" also makes a similar product. It does not harm a fiberglass boat, contains no abrasives.
Starbrite's Non-Skid Deck Cleaner also melts dirt out of Non-skid and Whaler's Tan Pleat upholstery, although does not cut greasy marks, oil spills or tar/black shoe marks like the purple cleaner does.
But I would agree, keep it off of aluminum parts and varnish work. SS is no problem.
BlueMax posted 01-28-2009 01:29 AM ET (US)
Water - lots and lots of water. Great for pre-wash, during wash and rinsing off after wash. I suggest a garden hose hooked up to a neighbor's water source. ^@^
jcrwshw posted 01-28-2009 04:21 PM ET (US)
I've found the hand cleaner simply orange or gojo to clean the skid pattern very well. I usually purchase the biggest amount that I can at costco and it last for years! A quick squirt and a medium stiff brush and viola, clean as new. To make things look brand new, use penetrol and your boat will look like it just popped out of the mold - however don't use it on the skid or you will...
Ritzyrags posted 01-28-2009 04:49 PM ET (US)
Hey JC,
Nice of you to turn up..
Is it coincidence or did you read my last post?
Nauti Tauk posted 01-28-2009 06:27 PM ET (US)
We had a Black Olive tree in front of the house close to the boat that was a nightmare. Trying to keep leaves and stains off/out of the Whaler was a twice a week event. Well you noticed the word "had", so the problem is gone now but I used the cheapest bleach I could buy cut half with water and it'd clean the leaf stains right off. brush it on with a deck brush, let it sit for a minute or two and hose off. Done. The mixture never stayed on long enough to do any damage that I can see. Did same thing with the first Montauk (1988)as well as our Pursuit and it's always worked like a charm. This also works well on dried fish blood. Straight clorine or bleach applied and not rinsed quickly may do damage I don't know. Just my expierence.

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Author	Topic: Cleaning Tips
nats	posted 01-26-2009 12:51 PM ET (US) I recently got a boat that has been sitting for [at least] a year uncovered, and as you can imagine the boat got very dirty. The non-skid floor area is very dirty. [Are there] any secrets or soaps that make it easier to clean? I have a pressure washer, and maybe that is the way to go. But as always you guys and gals always come up with some ideas that make things a little easier. Thanks
scottfarm	posted 01-26-2009 01:08 PM ET (US) Bleach. Mix it half and half, spray on and let it sit for 5 minutes scrub and rinse off.
Tohsgib	posted 01-26-2009 01:26 PM ET (US) Sure use the powerwasher but if really dirty and nasty try a souring powder or Bar Keeper's Friend if bleach is not cutting it. Either way it can dull the gel and will need to be buffed out. Being it sat uncovered for a year I bet it needs a good buffing anyway. The clorox or whatever powder acts like a mild wet sanding as well so it actualy makes it easier to buff in most cases.
BlueMax	posted 01-26-2009 02:17 PM ET (US) BW states not to use bleach as it will destroy the gel coat but I use a bit of it (Clorox spray bottle) on my non-skid when I need to. I have read many here recommend cleaners such as Star Brite and Bar Keeper's Friend, or you can try something like Simple Green, greased lightning, purple power etc. Beware of cleaners with oxalic acid - use a highly diluted concentrate and don't let it sit for very long as the acid can also eat the wax and gel coat. If you use a pressure washer ensure that you use the wide angle spray tip (30-40 degree?) and, depending on the psi of the washer, stay a few feet (maybe two) from the surface. The pressure washer may be good bet for cleaning the crevices of non-skid but be aware of any cracks or other type damage that may allow water intrusion especially if you intend to use pressurized water as it can be forced into the hull and cause damage such as blistering. And of course - put a good coat of wax on it when you are done doing wahtever you do to it. Max
BlueMax	posted 01-26-2009 02:30 PM ET (US) PS - I also use a stiff nylon brush on my non-skid for getting trapped or ground in dirt. The one I have has an extendable handle that you can attach the garden hose to in order to flush as well, but mostly I found having the hose attached was a pain in the butt while trying to scrub the deck, so now I hose the deck down initially and then as needed while I scrub, or just set the hose up on the bow and let it continue to flow while I scrub whick allows everything (soap suds and dirt) to wash down and out the drain in the stern.
L H G	posted 01-26-2009 07:06 PM ET (US) I believe the recommendations [to use bleach or other abrasive claners] should be ignored, unless the boat is so trashed that won't hurt it anyway. But if it's in decent condition, stay away from bleach and abrasives. I just bought a Whaler with 25 YEARS of storage dirt on it, knowing that underneath the dirt the boat was pristine. I used the "purple stuff", AKA Castrol Degreaser in the purple bottle. A few others make the same product in a purple bottle. This stuff cleans dirt and grime off a boat and non-skid like you wouldn't believe. Spray it on, scrub and rinse.
newt	posted 01-26-2009 07:52 PM ET (US) If I were in your shoes and I have been three times before, my first step would be the pressure washer followed by scrubbing with lots of soap and the purple stuff and some bleach if need be. After you get it clean, be sure to polish and wax as it makes all subsequent cleanings much easier.
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2009 11:30 AM ET (US) Guys...I have used straight bleach on all my boats since I started driving them 30+ years ago. I have no idea what they are talking about that bleach hurts the gel nor have I ever seen it hurt anything besides the wax. My boats are a 1976 and 1981 and will buff out like new to this day. The reason I use bleach is because we have oak trees and NOTHING will remove the leaf stains as quickly with no abrassives than bleach. If you have a PRISTINE boat then you would not need bleach or abrassives because the dirt and grime would simply wash away. When a boat has been sitting uncovered for a year it is not going to be PRISTINE and therefore who gives a crap...get it clean and buff it out. It is a boat, not a friggin Ferrari.
L H G	posted 01-27-2009 12:19 PM ET (US) Nick - My boats ARE Bristol Ferrari's! Next time try the purple bottle stuff for your leaves. You'll be amazed. When I bought my 18 Outrage new in 1986, for three years I used a bleach containing cleaner on the non-skid, and it DID damage it. It has lost it's gloss, and the surface has been degraded and eroded. If you saw it, you'd know what I mean. Whaler knows what they're talking about saying not to use bleach on gelcoat.
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2009 12:33 PM ET (US) What purple stuff. They make like 3 different kinds. Castrol GTX superclean came in a purple bottle but is no longer available. The stuff woul turn polished alum white and strip the paint off of license plates...man did it clean up stuff though. Then there is this purple bottle stuff but nobody seems to know if it works. I have tried the orange degreaser stuff which is pretty good but not sure if any better than simple green which is OK but not great. I also treid this stuff called Royal purple I think and it sucked.
Ritzyrags	posted 01-27-2009 01:42 PM ET (US) Well, "To Bleach or not To Bleach" is the question. I am not for or against this proposed solution to grime and stains. I am known to have used "Basic H" successfully in the scrub down of my whole unit and it has worked reasonably well.. I have realized that there is nothing like wet sanding with the finest grit to remove just about anything from my surfaces and this including small scratches. Another product that has worked very well for me in reconditioning gel coating has been Penetrol made by Flood; A quality paint conditioner that was introduced to me by a good buddy from C. River that I have lost touch with.. If you are still on this list, Thanks again... Serge.
BlueMax	posted 01-27-2009 02:51 PM ET (US) "To Bleach or Not To Bleach, That is the Question" Awseome, Ritz. Just Awesome. ^@^
L H G	posted 01-27-2009 04:13 PM ET (US) Nick - the purple bottle stuff is "Castrol Degreaser", and "Greased Lightning" also makes a similar product. It does not harm a fiberglass boat, contains no abrasives. Starbrite's Non-Skid Deck Cleaner also melts dirt out of Non-skid and Whaler's Tan Pleat upholstery, although does not cut greasy marks, oil spills or tar/black shoe marks like the purple cleaner does. But I would agree, keep it off of aluminum parts and varnish work. SS is no problem.
BlueMax	posted 01-28-2009 01:29 AM ET (US) Water - lots and lots of water. Great for pre-wash, during wash and rinsing off after wash. I suggest a garden hose hooked up to a neighbor's water source. ^@^
jcrwshw	posted 01-28-2009 04:21 PM ET (US) I've found the hand cleaner simply orange or gojo to clean the skid pattern very well. I usually purchase the biggest amount that I can at costco and it last for years! A quick squirt and a medium stiff brush and viola, clean as new. To make things look brand new, use penetrol and your boat will look like it just popped out of the mold - however don't use it on the skid or you will...
Ritzyrags	posted 01-28-2009 04:49 PM ET (US) Hey JC, Nice of you to turn up.. Is it coincidence or did you read my last post?
Nauti Tauk	posted 01-28-2009 06:27 PM ET (US) We had a Black Olive tree in front of the house close to the boat that was a nightmare. Trying to keep leaves and stains off/out of the Whaler was a twice a week event. Well you noticed the word "had", so the problem is gone now but I used the cheapest bleach I could buy cut half with water and it'd clean the leaf stains right off. brush it on with a deck brush, let it sit for a minute or two and hose off. Done. The mixture never stayed on long enough to do any damage that I can see. Did same thing with the first Montauk (1988)as well as our Pursuit and it's always worked like a charm. This also works well on dried fish blood. Straight clorine or bleach applied and not rinsed quickly may do damage I don't know. Just my expierence.