Hull-Cleaning advice please

Valiant3 · 11 August 2014, 13:35

We're just back from two lovely weeks in Cornwall and my husband is now out on the drive cleaning our much-loved RIB. The problem is we had the boat moored in a tidal estuary and not even the power washer and considerable elbow grease will remove the browny yellow staining from our gleaming white hull. Does anyone have any great ideas? Is there a miracle solution we can use? Thanks!

Portholme · 11 August 2014, 13:50

I did mine yesterday. You need an acid based product and there are loads in chandlers. I used a gel one that you paint on and hose off called Y 10 I think. Anyway it worked brilliantly. Look it up on youtube! Apparently you can use loo cleaner too but I wouldn't do that personally.

mal99 · 11 August 2014, 14:23

We've always used Starbright instant hull cleaner. Its not "instant" but 10 minutes isn't bad.

Valiant3 · 11 August 2014, 14:24

That's really helpful, thank you. Y-10 looks like just the stuff we need. I easily found it online £9.95 for 1kg.

Valiant3 · 11 August 2014, 14:35

Is there a recommended way of treating scratches? We have one or two small ones we'd like to smooth out and polish over if possible.

boristhebold · 11 August 2014, 14:45

The Y10 stuff works OK, if applying to a hull a good tip is to get a paint tray and use a roller brush with a long handle makes it easier to put on, do a section at a time on a warm day and rinse well after 10 mins.

The thing I found that really works well and even better than Y10 is Hempel Gelcoat Cleaning Powder but needs a bit of elbow grease, you mix with a bit of water to form an abrasive paste, again do in sections, it may take some effort but worth it. Then rinse off well and clean and polich hull.

SteveHall · 11 August 2014, 15:07

I had the same problem, a week in Conwy and the hull was a nice yellow tea stained..

I use this, paint it on and leave it a few mins and then wash off. Its so easy and you can actually see it working.

Farecla Marine Rapid Stain Remover 500ml - Only £13.92 - Gael Force Marine

AJ. · 11 August 2014, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

I had the same problem, a week in Conwy and the hull was a nice yellow tea stained..

I use this, paint it on and leave it a few mins and then wash off. Its so easy and you can actually see it working.

Farecla Marine Rapid Stain Remover 500ml - Only £13.92 - Gael Force Marine

+1 I understand the key ingredient is oxalic acid you can buy it of eBay in powder form a lot cheaper but have to mix it with I think water and use a bit of wallpaper paste to thicken it up so it doesn't drip. Not good if it hits the trailer as it removes the galvanised layer.

Hence a lot easier to buy the ready made stuff

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Pikey Dave · 11 August 2014, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ.

+1 I understand the key ingredient is oxalic acid you can buy it of eBay in powder form a lot cheaper but have to mix it with I think water and use a bit of wallpaper paste to thicken it up so it doesn't drip. Not good if it hits the trailer as it removes the galvanised layer.

Hence a lot easier to buy the ready made stuff

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

Rhubarb!!

Valiant3 · 11 August 2014, 17:26

Well there's some good advice there thanks everyone, I'll pass it on to hubby and he can choose the product. I've heard of Oxalic acid AJ, it was recommended to us for removing water staining from oak beams. Seems like it has multiple uses but you have to gear up with goggles and gloves and overalls!

AJ. · 11 August 2014, 19:37

Yep definitely protective clothing especially googles don't ask how I know this!

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spartacus · 11 August 2014, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valiant3

Is there a recommended way of treating scratches? We have one or two small ones we'd like to smooth out and polish over if possible.

Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler is very good. Plastic Padding Gelcoat Filler - Filler - Discount Marine Chandlery and Sailing Equipment. Bargain Boat Spares and Clothing

Degrease hull and ensure scratch is clean and dry. Use the 2-pack filler and mix up. Apply sparingly and use the plastic applicator to remove excess. Once dry, sand back using 2-3 grit levels, ending up with 600 grit. Use 3M wet and dry paper and a little Fairy Liquid to lube.

Rinse off. If you're looking for an invisible repair, try Farcla G3 or Menzerna polish with rotary polisher. Collenite 476 wax is the business for mirror-like-shine.

Valiant3 · 11 August 2014, 23:14

Fantastic. We'll give it a go. Thanks.

Nick Hearne · 13 August 2014, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valiant3

We're just back from two lovely weeks in Cornwall and my husband is now out on the drive cleaning our much-loved RIB. The problem is we had the boat moored in a tidal estuary and not even the power washer and considerable elbow grease will remove the browny yellow staining from our gleaming white hull. Does anyone have any great ideas? Is there a miracle solution we can use? Thanks!

Did my rib yesterday after 2.5 weeks in the water with TRF and oxalic acid mixed in as I already had it and it worked a treat, just sprayed it on then a light brush and washed off!
Worked a treat