Black residue buildup on hatch above plastic fuel tank

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Author Topic:   Black residue buildup on hatch above plastic fuel tank

HunterS posted 12-11-2009 02:32 PM ET (US)
I keep my boat relatively clean, but mostly uncovered in a slip year round in Tennessee. However, there is a chronic problem of black residue / growth at one exposed area of the boat. I have always thought it was some sort of mold. Yesterday, I realized that the black residue is mainly concentrated around the hatch that is above my plastic fuel tank. Does anyone know if there is a connection with the fuel, the plastic tank, the fiberglass hatch, and the residue ? If so, how best to clean it and/or avoid it in the future ?
Thank you.
jimh posted 12-12-2009 12:45 PM ET (US)
The only black growth I can think of is mildew. Try cleaning the area with soap and water, then washing with some sort of solution that will kill any remaining mildew. To grow mildew you need:
--moisture
--heat
--a little dirt
The deck of a boat sounds like a perfect place for mildew to grow. If there were fumes from the gasoline, they're hydrocarbons. Perhaps they are also food for the mildew.
Generally you can find cleaners or cleaning agents that are specifically formulated to kill mildew organisms. Use these with some caution as their composition may also be somewhat damaging to the surfaces of the boat, such as gel coat, paint, vinyl, stainless steel, and so on.

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Author	Topic: Black residue buildup on hatch above plastic fuel tank
HunterS	posted 12-11-2009 02:32 PM ET (US) I keep my boat relatively clean, but mostly uncovered in a slip year round in Tennessee. However, there is a chronic problem of black residue / growth at one exposed area of the boat. I have always thought it was some sort of mold. Yesterday, I realized that the black residue is mainly concentrated around the hatch that is above my plastic fuel tank. Does anyone know if there is a connection with the fuel, the plastic tank, the fiberglass hatch, and the residue ? If so, how best to clean it and/or avoid it in the future ? Thank you.
jimh	posted 12-12-2009 12:45 PM ET (US) The only black growth I can think of is mildew. Try cleaning the area with soap and water, then washing with some sort of solution that will kill any remaining mildew. To grow mildew you need: --moisture --heat --a little dirt The deck of a boat sounds like a perfect place for mildew to grow. If there were fumes from the gasoline, they're hydrocarbons. Perhaps they are also food for the mildew. Generally you can find cleaners or cleaning agents that are specifically formulated to kill mildew organisms. Use these with some caution as their composition may also be somewhat damaging to the surfaces of the boat, such as gel coat, paint, vinyl, stainless steel, and so on.