Maintaining my boat

quigz

Cadet
Joined
Mar 6, 2013
Messages
13
So i have tried many different cleaners/ protectents / waxes/ degreasers. They all have done the job, but seems like alot of work for the results. was hoping to get some ideas of some products that have blown people away with there performance.

for example

hull cleaners

mold and mildew

engine compartment

outdrive


Thanks
 

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Maintaining my boat

hull cleaners
mold and mildew
engine compartment

For all of those, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I've used some hull cleaners that will clean the skin off your hands also! They are by far the best thing to use if you have a really bad hull, but they are not something you would ever consider for normal maintenance. No need to use a jackhammer to pound a nail into the wall. Same goes for outdrive, you could say the best way to maintain it is a sandblaster and paint booth.

Anyway, my recommendations... For a medium to slightly heavy duty hull cleaner, look at 'Safe AR Hull Cleaner' (wear gloves!) I then hit the hull with 3m boat wax. For mold and mildew, its far easier to make sure everything stays dry, and prevent the mold from growing in the first place. A diluted mix of bleach and water works great to kill existing mold. As far as engine compartment, simple green, hot water, lots of elbow grease.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,366
Re: Maintaining my boat

Prevention is easier than dealing with the results of neglect.

Hull = We have a problem with tanic acid in the Spring and fall so it's Starbrite or Attwood Hull cleaner diluted 50% then 2 coats of good quality wax. I'm a Colinite guy myself
Mold and mildew = don't put it away wet. Provide air circulation
Engine compartment = Fix leaks before they make a mess
Outdrive = 2 coats of good quality wax, hull cleaner as needed
 

quigz

Cadet
Joined
Mar 6, 2013
Messages
13
Re: Maintaining my boat

For all of those, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I've used some hull cleaners that will clean the skin off your hands also! They are by far the best thing to use if you have a really bad hull, but they are not something you would ever consider for normal maintenance. No need to use a jackhammer to pound a nail into the wall. Same goes for outdrive, you could say the best way to maintain it is a sandblaster and paint booth.

Anyway, my recommendations... For a medium to slightly heavy duty hull cleaner, look at 'Safe AR Hull Cleaner' (wear gloves!) I then hit the hull with 3m boat wax. For mold and mildew, its far easier to make sure everything stays dry, and prevent the mold from growing in the first place. A diluted mix of bleach and water works great to kill existing mold. As far as engine compartment, simple green, hot water, lots of elbow grease.

Thanks for the input, last fall i spent about 8 hours cleaning the hull of my boat ( off brand cleaner ,powerwasher and scrub brush)i leave my boat in a slip from about may untill about sept. i took it out twice during the season to give it a quick clean off but that didn't seem to help. the mold and mildew is mainly from storing it outside during the winter. i tried useing all different kind of things to prevent the mildew but it still returns.
 

Sandi_k

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 6, 2012
Messages
145
Re: Maintaining my boat

A spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water works well on cleaning water spots off the hull. Then use a spray wax or detailer to get the gleaming surface you want.
 
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