Cleaning Gel-coat decks

[Pat Truner]

Well I am anticipating some spring cleaning and have a question to throw out..............
What's the best technique (or product)for getting the gel-coat decks sparkling clean? My CD 22 (1982) is pretty clean, but the decks after a good scub with boat soap, still have a kind of "smudgy" white look. Like white laundry that's routinely cleaned but hasn't been bleached in a while. Needs that xtra "kick" to get them to sparkle! I have some pretty stubborn stains below the port lights and next to some of the deck fittings..........like run-off. I've tried a mild rubbing compound and altough it helps a little it still doesn't get it "like new". I've also tried a product that is supposed to "leach" out stains from the gel-coat - still no luck. Am I expecting too much from my little boat? Anybody have any opinions on what works?

Thanks
Pat
"Slipaway" CD 22



patturner@earthlink.net

[Tom Coons]

Well I am anticipating some spring cleaning and have a question to throw out..............
What's the best technique (or product)for getting the gel-coat decks sparkling clean? My CD 22 (1982) is pretty clean, but the decks after a good scub with boat soap, still have a kind of "smudgy" white look. Like white laundry that's routinely cleaned but hasn't been bleached in a while. Needs that xtra "kick" to get them to sparkle! I have some pretty stubborn stains below the port lights and next to some of the deck fittings..........like run-off. I've tried a mild rubbing compound and altough it helps a little it still doesn't get it "like new". I've also tried a product that is supposed to "leach" out stains from the gel-coat - still no luck. Am I expecting too much from my little boat? Anybody have any opinions on what works?

Thanks
Pat
"Slipaway" CD 22

Pat, one thing you might try that sometimes works where Ajax etal doesn't is a product at your local super market called "Barkeepers Friend" It's cheap and works just like Ajax but is acid based rather than akali based. It also cleans fenders and counter tops etc. If it doesn't work on boat take it home and give it to wife for kitchen use. Remember that Gelcoat is very thin in order to be able to contract and expand without cracking. It's easy to rub right through it and create a bigger problem than the one you started with. Try a small area and go gently if it doesn't seem to be working,stop and try something else. It has a gold label and is usually on the shelf with the Comet, Ajax etc. and only costs a couple of bucks since it's not identified as a"marine" product.. I've heard good things about toilet bowl cleaners for this as well, but haven't tried them myself. If you find something that works repackage it, label it "for marine use", and sell it through Boat US for $ 10.95. Oh, I think somebody has already beat you to it. Tom

TacCambria@thegrid.net

[Jim]

This may sound odd, but the best stuff I have found for use on the decks of my CD25D is Blech White sidewall cleaner (NAPA etc. has it). Spray it on, let sit for 1/2 min or so, scrub and hose off well. Takes off anything: paint, grease and even Nike black sole marks. Varnish too but Cetol is not touched by short exposure! The stuff is a strong base so be careful. That's why it works. Non abrasive and no fading of the tan area.



james.jamieson@yale.edu

[Jay Ankers]

The run-off from the bronze portlights on our CD30 can usually be cleaned by the teflon cleaner/polishh/wax we use. Another stain cleaner I have used on several boats for rust stains and stains on white gelcoat is "FSR" (fiberglass stain remover) but be careful it will bleach tan areas or off-white areas.

The best all around deck cleaner and protector is "Non-skid Deck Cleaner / Protector" by Starbright. West Marine sells it but some Wal Marts sell it. It is a mild cleaner with some form of "zip wax" in it like Turtle Wax makes. You scub it in with water and let it sit for 5 minutes...scrub it again and rinse with water. On our boat, you can see the difference before and after and it is safe to use frequently. I think it is equivilent to the cleaner / waxes that are sold at auto stores (for alot less)....everybody is noticing this trend..I'm sure.

Cheers, Jay
CD-30 #344
Per Diem

Well I am anticipating some spring cleaning and have a question to throw out..............
What's the best technique (or product)for getting the gel-coat decks sparkling clean? My CD 22 (1982) is pretty clean, but the decks after a good scub with boat soap, still have a kind of "smudgy" white look. Like white laundry that's routinely cleaned but hasn't been bleached in a while. Needs that xtra "kick" to get them to sparkle! I have some pretty stubborn stains below the port lights and next to some of the deck fittings..........like run-off. I've tried a mild rubbing compound and altough it helps a little it still doesn't get it "like new". I've also tried a product that is supposed to "leach" out stains from the gel-coat - still no luck. Am I expecting too much from my little boat? Anybody have any opinions on what works?

Thanks
Pat
"Slipaway" CD 22

jay.ankers@fluordaniel.com

[Stephen Crampton]

I have been told by several sources to use SoftScrub cleanser. I don't know whether it's safe to use it often, but for Spring cleaning Softscrub with bleach works wonders. The boat shines right up.

Stephen



sailing@star.net

[Geoff Safron]

Hi, Pat—
I've had good success with good ol' Tidy Bowl, available at any grocery store. The "Thick Gel" is easiest to manage. It's even taken care of those ancient drip lines on the hull under the shrouds. Make sure you use quality (Platex) rubber gloves... otherwise, after an hour you'll have no fingerprints. Of course, you'll have to re-wax everything afterward.

Happy Scrubbing!

Geoff

[Catherine Monaghan]

I just use the same rubbing compound and wax (BoatLife) that I use on the hull on the coach roof, cabinsides and deck too. Rubbing compound is great at removing those black streaky stains around the bronze ports, but if you use it, you must follow with wax. Unless the top of your boat is showing excessive oxidation, only use FINE rubbing compound -- medium and coarse are way too harsh and remove too much of the boat's finish. The rest of the year, just use fiberglass cleaner.

Cathy Monaghan
CD32 REALIZATION
Raritan Bay

Well I am anticipating some spring cleaning and have a question to throw out..............
What's the best technique (or product)for getting the gel-coat decks sparkling clean? My CD 22 (1982) is pretty clean, but the decks after a good scub with boat soap, still have a kind of "smudgy" white look. Like white laundry that's routinely cleaned but hasn't been bleached in a while. Needs that xtra "kick" to get them to sparkle! I have some pretty stubborn stains below the port lights and next to some of the deck fittings..........like run-off. I've tried a mild rubbing compound and altough it helps a little it still doesn't get it "like new". I've also tried a product that is supposed to "leach" out stains from the gel-coat - still no luck. Am I expecting too much from my little boat? Anybody have any opinions on what works?

Thanks
Pat
"Slipaway" CD 22

catherine_monaghan@merck.com