Looking for Gel Coat Cleaner

[Frank Vernet]

Hi Gang,

Background - Sirius, our CD33, was kept at the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads Marina until recently. Last September, the marina completed a total tear-down and replacement of the slips (years of hurricanes did their stuff!) and in place of the old wooden slips appeared titanically strong concrete slips lined with large black rubber (read commercial pier type) bumpers. In the steady breeze of the Caribbean, it wasn't long before the black rubber dye of the bumpers transferred to the fenders which was then transferred to the white gel coat of her hull.

I've tried a variety of West Marine gel coat cleaners and even SoftScrub, but with moderate success at best. A slight discoloration persists and from afar, it is rather unsightly.

Any suggestions on cleaners which might remove that last bit of discoloration? Apart from this, the gel coat is in great shape.

Thanks in advance.

Frank Vernet
CO "Sirius" CD33 #84



frank.vernet@bmdo.osd.mil

[zeida]

Frank, if you can find a product called "the purple stuff", maybe in your local auto store, that will probably do the trick. They might have changed the name, but the product should still be the same. Cheers.

Zeida



zcecil@attglobal.net

[Bob Earl]

Try a product called On & Off, Hull & Bottom Cleaner. It is made by Marikate Ship Shape Inc. The bottle says its for removing browning water line stains, rust, algae stains. It took off my water line stains in about 30 seconds. Toxic stuff however. I found it at West Marine, but if you cannot find it locally, or if you want to check with the company about how it would work on your black rubber dye stains, the company is out of Bohemia, NY.

Hi Gang,

Background - Sirius, our CD33, was kept at the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads Marina until recently. Last September, the marina completed a total tear-down and replacement of the slips (years of hurricanes did their stuff!) and in place of the old wooden slips appeared titanically strong concrete slips lined with large black rubber (read commercial pier type) bumpers. In the steady breeze of the Caribbean, it wasn't long before the black rubber dye of the bumpers transferred to the fenders which was then transferred to the white gel coat of her hull.

I've tried a variety of West Marine gel coat cleaners and even SoftScrub, but with moderate success at best. A slight discoloration persists and from afar, it is rather unsightly.

Any suggestions on cleaners which might remove that last bit of discoloration? Apart from this, the gel coat is in great shape.

Thanks in advance.

Frank Vernet
CO "Sirius" CD33 #84

beck@vbe.com

[Michael Heintz]

I don't know what cleaners might work, but if all else fails, try rubbing compound on the hull. I compounded Machts Nichts this year and It cleaned up the hull beautifully. That was followed with two coats of paste wax, left a beautiful finish. I think this method will also help in keeping off most stains.

Good Luck

Michael Heintz
s/v Machts Nichts CD 30 MK II



Mzenith@aol.com

[Jack]

Try a product called "Krazy Clean". I know it sound hokey but it is sold in marine stores and it really works. It's the only thing I could find that take off the diesel stains from the back of my boat.

Hi Gang,

Background - Sirius, our CD33, was kept at the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads Marina until recently. Last September, the marina completed a total tear-down and replacement of the slips (years of hurricanes did their stuff!) and in place of the old wooden slips appeared titanically strong concrete slips lined with large black rubber (read commercial pier type) bumpers. In the steady breeze of the Caribbean, it wasn't long before the black rubber dye of the bumpers transferred to the fenders which was then transferred to the white gel coat of her hull.

I've tried a variety of West Marine gel coat cleaners and even SoftScrub, but with moderate success at best. A slight discoloration persists and from afar, it is rather unsightly.

Any suggestions on cleaners which might remove that last bit of discoloration? Apart from this, the gel coat is in great shape.

Thanks in advance.

Frank Vernet
CO "Sirius" CD33 #84