tube cleaning ideas...specific question)

[behavin]

hi
yes i have read about 12 threads about tube cleaning (hypalon) and tfr,persil,polymarine,rib revive etc can all be used..

my tubes are dark blue, the rib is left afloat 12 months a year and has no complete cover.
the rib itself is 8 years old and in the main part the tubes are 90% good.

but what i have is really bad light blue staining along the top edges of the tubes, in places it appears the fabric is starting to "show" ie rather than the tubes being smooth and dark blue, they are light blue and "dimpled".

there also appears to be some spot marks of light blue which look like a spot of cleaner being dropped on the tube and not washed off.....i havent cleaned the tubes for 12 months.
i have used mostly polymarine cleaner with the polymarine polish which once done ,with wet tubes looks great .....trouble is they dry back to this light blue patching..
thing is do i need to be be more vigorous with the cleaning.....or have the tubes passed their best.?

if they are past their best then i may well run wear strips down the topsides of the tubes...

i do wonder if gullsh** is a cause of this staining ...

the rib isnt used for diving but for family trips and kitesurfing so has kids and me crawling over the tubes..

any suggestions ?

[Maximus]

Sounds like a good advert for Covering your RIB,and regular maintanace..Horse bolted by the sounds of it.
I'd try a good clean and PLENTY of 3m Rib protector which will help reduce UV damage in the future, and give some barrier against Gull Shit..but not repair what damage is already done.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Sounds like a good advert for Covering your RIB.

.... but not Ribcraft tubes.

Joshing aside, year round sun will kill any fabric eventually. Maxi is right, a cover is your only solution.
Covers are a PITA, especially when the boat is on a mooring, but do a job.

I hate leaving our 25yo SR on it's mooring uncovered. The tubes are original and tidy, I pull the SR out every couple of weeks for a scrub and re-apply the tube protectorant, it does the trick.