Cleaning The Hull
 

Hello experts....I'm looking for recommendations for cleaning the bottom of boats (in this case a Whaler), to remove the thin layer of slime & discoloration that accumulates during the Summer.

I'm hoping there's one product (I was wondering about Simple Green) that makes it very easy (e.g. brugh on / spray off) and gets great results.


Thanks!

marykate on/off hull & bottom cleaner
 

works great, just dont get it on your skin... available at boat supply stores (west marine, etc)

Slimy Grimy
 

If you want something that may be a little more aggressive. Slimy Grimy works great. They sell it at Marine and Sports paraphernalia

http://www.slimygrimy.com/

I've had good luck with Interlux HD Stain Remover http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/default.asp

Best price for basically the same cleaner, ie "oxalic acid" is Bher Deck Cleaner and Brightener from Home Depot. Comes in 1 gal can and is concentrated so mix at 4:1 ratio with water. Brush it on, wait 3-4 min, then hose off. Works great.
HB

I suspect all the cleaners listed are just oxalic acid with some sort of thickener added. The acid is the key. It really dissolves the slime quite nicely.

On/off is the best hands down.

Thanks!
 

Just a quick note of THANKS! to you all for your suggestions. We went with the Behr, and it worked GREAT! Can't believe how hard we've been scrubbing all these years....!:rolleye1:

on/off
 

Just tried On/Off for the first this weekend. Works great. Brushed it on with the long handle boat brush and after 60 seconds, sprayed it off. No more scrubbing for me. Recommend wearing rubber gloves, eye protection and even a mask due to the acid (that should all be common sense though)

on/off
 

I was told this was great this weekend, but recommended that you do not get it on the plastics on the boat as it has done something to the material.

I find the easiest cleaning method is to get a good sturdy sponge, a bucket of Mr. Clean, a hose and tell my wife it is now your boat.:laugh:

Children's sweat equity ......
 

Give the kids a bucket of water, some sponges, and can of Ajax powder. Works great; and it helps to raise the lake ph. :D

oh and.....
 

Either cover your boat trailer or wash it off immediately when using On/off

spray it with a garden sprayer it's a lot easier.

Raise the ph........
 

Better living thru chemistry!
 

Ajax contains bleach and has a pH in the neighborhood of 12; and its phosphate free!:)

Good advicee!
 

Hilly Billy:

I used the Behr deck cleaner and it worked great on the slime and came right off with the pressure washer. To get the oily stuff off I had to use simple green. Easy job.

BTW: Jimbob, I lit off the linear compressor and it's the nutz! Rebuilt the header with 1/32 holes this time. Thanks!

Misty Blue