Removing Rust Stains From MY RIB

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 12:30

Hi. I am after some advice please. I have recently purchased a new RIB. Although brand new, it had been stored for some time and has come into prolonged contact with rain water. Please see the attached photo. There is a yellow stain on one side as a result of the metal rings holding the rope being in contact with water, rusting and dripping down the side of the boat. I have tried to steam clean this with no luck and I have also tried general inflatable boat cleaner. Neither of which had any effect. I think I need to use something stronger. It's my first boat so I don't want to damage it with something too strong or corrosive. Any ideas as to what would be best for me to use? Thanks in advance.

Fenlander · 06 July 2020, 12:50

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Brand new and rusting eyelets from rain water... what's saltwater going to do?

I'd be pushing this problem back to supplier/dealer.

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 12:59

Hi, thanks for the message. Yes I did think the same myself. The dealer did give me a discount and also supplied some cleaning solutions but it didn't work. They did also offer to cover with a patch but this was not a good fix for me. I have also been given some new metal eyelets/rings which I will fit. I think because its been sat in water for a long time, perhaps 12 months that this has caused the problem. Whilst I agree that these are going to come into contact with water a lot, they are never going to be fully submerged for any length of time.

jeffstevens763@g · 06 July 2020, 13:36

you could replace the eyelets with plastic ones.
cleaning wise ive just used everbuild PVC cleaner used for plastic windows it worked for me on a coating that had rubbed off onto my tubes, its designed to remove deep grime on windows worth a try

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 13:56

Thanks for the advice! I've had a look at the cleaner you suggested. It seems quite strong, I presume you saw no issues applying this to the RIB?

jeffstevens763@g · 06 July 2020, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesblonde2

Thanks for the advice! I've had a look at the cleaner you suggested. It seems quite strong, I presume you saw no issues applying this to the RIB?

no issues its solvent based but didnt affect my PVC tubes i cleaned the whole boat then washed with fairy liquid dried then sprayed on uv protectant.
you could try traffic film remover that seems to move stuff

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

no issues its solvent based but didnt affect my PVC tubes i cleaned the whole boat then washed with fairy liquid dried then sprayed on uv protectant.
you could try traffic film remover that seems to move stuff

Thanks very much Jeff! :-)

Nos4r2 · 06 July 2020, 20:23

Have you tried oxalic acid?

BRIG 650H · 06 July 2020, 20:29

https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Y10/St...moving-Gel/C56 Does what it says on the tin or should I say plastic tub!

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Have you tried oxalic acid?

I have read up about that and think it may be a little too strong and cause damage from other comments regarding its usage. Thanks for the suggestion.

jamesblonde2 · 06 July 2020, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRIG 650H

https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Y10/St...moving-Gel/C56 Does what it says on the tin or should I say plastic tub!

Cheers. Says it's for fibreglass. It's such a worry that I'll damage the boat further by using something too strong intended for another purpose.

Fenlander · 06 July 2020, 22:47

Yes I too would be wary of strong products unless I'd already tried them on an older/cheaper boat.

In that vein I wondered about Acetone which I use to prep PVC SIB material prior to a glue repair. I've used it sparingly to get the odd stubborn stain off with good success but not tried with a rust stain.

Maximus · 06 July 2020, 23:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Yes I too would be wary of strong products unless I'd already tried them on an older/cheaper boat.

In that vein I wondered about Acetone which I use to prep PVC SIB material prior to a glue repair. I've used it sparingly to get the odd stubborn stain off with good success but not tried with a rust stain.

I thought of Acetone...it's probably you're only chance to sort it but must be used carefully...try Dabbing a small area with a clean white cloth and see if it lifts by inspecting the cloth.
Very poor though on a new Boat!...but now you've bought it...you may be able replace with Stainless eyelets... a Sailmaker would be worth having a chat with and if it were me I'd still want a contribution (at the very least!) from the dealer.

jeffstevens763@g · 06 July 2020, 23:27

Murlatic acid works on gel coat

Skye Rib · 06 July 2020, 23:29

I agree with using oxalic acid - used it for years on yachts and other commercial boats. Never had any adverse affect and it works within minutes. You can buy it as one of many proprietary rust remover sprays or much cheaper as I do by buying oxalic acid crystals which you can spread on any deck in crystal form and let the rain do the work or dilute it in water. Don't let the the term acid put you off - think of citric acid and acetic acid - both food products. Great for removing iron filing rust marks or rusty chain marks on the foredeck.

Skye Rib · 06 July 2020, 23:37

Just found this previous thread on Ribnet which has more detail. I have also used Y10 which is very effective but have also made a similar paste with oxalic acid at a fraction of the price.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/oxalic-...ing-81232.html

chipko · 07 July 2020, 10:25

Before applying an ever increasing array of corrosive potions to your new pvc toobs have you considered simply covering with strategically placed contrasting colour ‘wear patches’.

beamishken · 07 July 2020, 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skye Rib

I agree with using oxalic acid - used it for years on yachts and other commercial boats. Never had any adverse affect and it works within minutes. You can buy it as one of many proprietary rust remover sprays or much cheaper as I do by buying oxalic acid crystals which you can spread on any deck in crystal form and let the rain do the work or dilute it in water. Don't let the the term acid put you off - think of citric acid and acetic acid - both food products. Great for removing iron filing rust marks or rusty chain marks on the foredeck.

Oxcalic acid is the base ingredient in y10 and starbrite hull cleaner
Although it sounds aggressive like many acids its also plant derived (rhubarb iirc)
Used it for years on various boats including hypalon pvc & fibreglass without issue.
A fraction of the cost of y10 & starbrite

jeffstevens763@g · 07 July 2020, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

Oxcalic acid is the base ingredient in y10 and starbrite hull cleaner
Although it sounds aggressive like many acids its also plant derived (rhubarb iirc)
Used it for years on various boats including hypalon pvc & fibreglass without issue.
A fraction of the cost of y10 & starbrite

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxalic_acid

Maximus · 07 July 2020, 11:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipko

Before applying an ever increasing array of corrosive potions to your new pvc toobs have you considered simply covering with strategically placed contrasting colour ‘wear patches’.

That crossed my mind too....(saved me and others few times in the past) but that design with the high ridge "collar" for lifelines doesn't really lend itself.
I think it would odd...not being central over the top of the Tubes?
Either way I'd be interested what ..if anything works

Good Luck