Cleaning Waterline

K

knomad

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Our boat is kept at a slip all summer on the lake. One of the most challenging cleaning tasks I have is keeping the waterline from staining. A white nylon scrubbie seems to take off the surface grime but there is still a yellow stain left.
This weekend I tried a nylon 000 "steel" wool pad (grey) with a little Mequires cleaner/wax and it took the stain right off.
My concern is doing harm to the gel coat. Though it does not look like it, will the agressive nylon pad scratch the gelcoat?
 
Yes. I had a friend who used one and left a bunch of scratch marks which then had to be aggressively buffed out. You might want to consider leaving your boat on a lift. Then you won't get a dirty waterline.

I usually just power wash to get any stains off. Works great.
 
You are as Flutter states, scratching the bejeebers out of your gelocat. Dont worry about the stains until you pull the boat. THen use "THe Works" toliet bowl cleaner for Fiberglass to clean the stains away.
 
FSR = Fiberglass Stain Remover or Mary Kate Hull & Bottom Cleaner ( On & Off )
 
My experience has anything with oxalic acid in it works best. I sometimes use a product called Bar Keepers Friend. Sprinkle on a wet rag and go for it, will not scratch gelcoat.
 
I was very disappointed with FSR, but did find the Hull & Bottom Cleaner to be effective. But I'm not going to haul my boat just to clean the waterline! I do that at the dock with the pressure hose. Also keeping that area well waxed will help prevent a difficult stain. If the stain is on the bottom paint, it may be time to repaint the bottom.

But, again, using a lift prevents the problem completely.
 
THe Works is the same stuff as Mary kates, but you can get it at the Dollar store for a buck... instead of the 10-15 at West Marine
 
I keep mine on a lift and I still end up with some staining on the waterline and the bottom. Most boaters in my area use a product called Slimey Grimey. The main incredient is oxalic acid. It is a powder that you mix with hot tap water and spray on with a pump type garden garden sprayer. It usualy takes the stain off but if extremely bad it may need some scrubbing with a soft brush.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

THe Works is the same stuff as Mary kates, but you can get it at the Dollar store for a buck... instead of the 10-15 at West Marine
Click to expand...


It wasn't a Mary Kates brand. Some other brand which I don't remember 'cause it has been years since I've had to do more then pressure wash.
 
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