CLeaning the Bilge

[argve]

Last summer we took out boat out on vacation to find that we were leaking lower unit fluid into the bilge. So we got that fixed, but they (service center) did not clean the bilge area, so now I’m stuck with cleaning it myself. I assumed they had cleaned it, and never removed the cover after picking it up (my bad). So it’s sat all winter long like this. I’m looking for ideas on how to make the task easier.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: CLeaning the Bilge

Sorry to hear about your mess.Usually I use dawn dishwashing liquid and it works great,but it sounds like you may have more of a job than it can handle.For a tougher job I use Simple green.I recently used some crap I saw at a dollar store called" Simply awesome ".And for 99cents it really was awesome,just make sure you use gloves,it is really strong.Try the cheap ones first,the simple green is medium priced and as a last resort you can get a heavy duty bilge cleaner in a marine store for about 8-10 bucks.The only thing about the bilge cleaner is that they are usually supposed to be left in the bilge as you ride the boat around,so they dont work as fast as the others.Use a high pressure nozzle on your hose when you are ready to drain the suds out of the bilge ,it will help remove the residue.Good luck. Charlie

 

[BillP]

Re: CLeaning the Bilge

I'm impressed with Simple Green. It does a much better job than 409. I dilute down (per instuctions) for general cleaning but at full strengh it is like industrial grade. It doesn't foam like liquid soap detergent so you could mix the two for coverage. Lemon type liquid dishwasher soaps generally suds up more than non lemon type. I don't know why but for salt water use lemon is the only way.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: CLeaning the Bilge

Spray the area with simple green, let it soak for a while then use a pressure washer.

 

[mjake]

Re: CLeaning the Bilge

I read in a boat magazine about tips cleaning bilge. THey recommend JOY. They didn't say why but joy dishwashing soap is suppose to be good so they say.. Also, if you have access to an Amway dealer, try to get hold of product call industrioal clean. I am not a dealer, i have used this stuff and it is great. Follow directions.