Brown stains

TwoHooter · 20 June 2021, 21:14

Some brown stains have appeared on the tubes of our RIB and I'm not sure what they are or how to remove them. Any ideas?

Pikey Dave · 20 June 2021, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoHooter

Some brown stains have appeared on the tubes of our RIB and I'm not sure what they are or how to remove them. Any ideas?

Looks like PVC uv degradation. The beginning of the end.

Maximus · 20 June 2021, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Looks like PVC uv degradation. The beginning of the end.

My thoughts too....

TwoHooter · 21 June 2021, 17:41

Thanks for the comments. This came on very suddenly - over a period of about 48 hours. Does that sound typical?

Pikey Dave · 21 June 2021, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoHooter

...Does that sound typical?

Not really. What does it feel like, is it sticky?

Orwell boy · 21 June 2021, 18:27

Looks like mildew under the top suface on hypalon to me ,seems quite common on sunshine drenched white ribs ,maybe try some bleach based shmufflex or similar ; but i think the beginning of the end is maybe an accurate assesment

TwoHooter · 21 June 2021, 18:36

The patches are not sticky.

I have never known whether the tubes are PVC or Hypalon. The RIB is a Suzumar, new in 2005. The RIB has always been kept under covers but was lent to a friend for a couple of weeks recently and not covered, when it came back it was in bright sun for 2 days before we got it into a shed.

I'll try the bleach idea on a small patch. I've already tried Liquid Rib which has never failed to bring it up until this time.

It's a pity - it's a nice RIB, good hull shape, no patches, holds its air well, sometimes goes a full year without needing a few puffs from the pump. Very sad if it is UV rot.

babbot1 · 21 June 2021, 20:27

Is it possible a chemical stain from a spill? Looks like there are spots on the rope and on the rubber fixture on the right. Not just the fabric. Kinda hard to tell from the pic.

TwoHooter · 21 June 2021, 20:42

I'm going to take some more pictures tomorrow.
Turns out the boat has been handled by some non-boating people since it got back.
They say all they did was spray it with Liquid Rib and wash it off with a jetwash, but the place this was done might have had some other stuff floating around.

Barrel Rider · 21 June 2021, 23:05

I have a stain like that on one part of my tubes and was told it could be from sunscreen that has rubbed off onto the tube?

Striker · 23 June 2021, 19:25

It looks like something spilled rather than degradation. If you zoom in it’s on more than just the tube material.

spartacus · 23 June 2021, 21:58

First rule, never lend your boat to anyone!

If it is a chemical mark, then the options are limited. Whatever it is, it has either been applied neat, or has reacted with UV light as I see it on the rubber handle too.

You could try Rib Revive or similar, even TFR (traffic film remover) and Scotchbrite pad, with gloves of course, work it, then rinse thoroughly.

If that doesn't do anything, then a solvent such as MEK, however that will soften the PVC, so using sparingly.

One option is you could patch that area with a strip of grey PVC material to the rubbing strake, and mirror on the other side, or just live with it.

jeffstevens763@g · 23 June 2021, 22:06

Jet wash is the problem IMO I’d never use one on a tube

neil.mccrirrick · 24 June 2021, 09:00

It's not consistent which makes it more likely somthing was spilled and then left, perhaps in the sun and its baked in. More pics would help but I think you have a cosmetic issue

willk · 24 June 2021, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoHooter

This came on very suddenly - over a period of about 48 hours. Does that sound typical?

Could it be rust? If some rust or iron filings got on wet tubes they would stain. Oxalic Acid or Proprietory Rust remover for boat hulls would remove it easily.

I really enjoyed the title of this thread. I assumed someone had a near miss or a rough exit through Haulover Creek...

TwoHooter · 24 June 2021, 18:08

Well I haven't got to the bottom of it yet - been very short of time due to some business problems. I've read every response and will work through this.

It did occur to me that it might be rust and I have some Oxalic acid on the mothership and hope to get there next week. I've found a couple of tiny patches where I can experiment reasonably safely.

Thanks again - I will report back.