cleaning boat hull

[harry]

The bottom of my fiberglass boat is pretty dirty and looks like some algae build-up is on there.The stuff is a real bugger to get off.Can anyone suggest a good product to use for cleaning the boat hull.Thanks a lot

[Denied]

Harry, its not easy. The best I have found is
1. High pressure washer
2. Cleanser (powered)
3. Scrub brush
It takes time and work. If you plan on leaving your boat in the water for longer periods of time, you might consider anti-fouling bottom paint.

Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
web page; http://www.cliftond.com

[REW]

It goes pretty quick as follows:
1. Go to a car wash and blast the boat with high pressure wash, where the car wash uses really HOT water.
2. Bring along a 5 gallon bucket - go at a time when there are is little traffic at the car wash, so you don't get hassled, and use almost pure bleach and hot water and a scrub rubber to go over the hull. The bleach will take off any mold and mildew, and keep it off for a long time.

3. Go to an auto parts store and buy a gallon of Westleys tire bleach. This product was recommended by my fiberglass boat maker as the cleaner of choice. Any remaining black dock marks or other types of stains come off in a heart beat with the use of this product and a scrubber.

4. Do a final high pressure rinse with the car wash pressure washer.

5. Use the car wash waxer to do a wax job, -- if you don't have the time nor inclination to do a hard wax and polish - the best way. If you can wax - with a hard wax and polisher - at least once a year, the build up on the hull is quite a bit less. Because the wax seals the little holes in the gel coat, the ensuing clean ups are much easier.

Take care

REW

[GullGuide]

One product I have used is Zing.
This is a hydrochloric acid solution and is made to get rid of alge buid-up. Follow the directions and wear old clothes and rubber gloves. Woks great.
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[skipnskul]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-28-01 AT 12:49PM (CST)[p]try a product called "slimy grimy" hull cleaner. It is a mild acid crystal you mix with hot water. Then brush or spray on with hand sprayer, let sit a few minutes and gunk should scrub off with some elbow grease. Or better yet, if you know someone who works at a marina,see if they can get you some of what they use.It is similar but stronger(much stronger)and caution must be used to avoid "acid burn"to the gel coat.The upside is that practically no scrubbing is needed. Hope this helps.GET THE BOAT CLEAN,THE FISH ARE A WAITIN' , MIKE

[fisherman]

I have the same problem with a painted alluminum boat. Can I use these same products on my boat?