Exterior water/weatheriziation streaks and stains

[8-Ball]

I have some stains on my boat exterior from dark stained water and some streaks in paint. I tried vinegar and water, rubbing compund, etc. But it hasnt worked. Any suggestions? Thanks, 8-Ball

[Kyhl]

I've used star brite instant hull clearer to take off water stains on both aluminum and fibergass boats. Works great.

Put it on with a sponge then spray it off.

[8-Ball]

Thanks Kyhl. I will try it out. The vinegar/water works ok on general dirt and light water markings, but wont touch the streaked/stained stuff at all.

[Kyhl]

I really only use it to remove rings from dark water, like the MS River or Vermillion.

It will take off wax too so I usually spray on a coat of wax at the drive through manual car wash. I'm too old to wax by hand anymore.

[mabr]

Search these words on you tube (Fiberglass boat hull cleaning with oxalic acid)

Not sure where you would find it but it sure cleaned up the boat in the video.

[JosMN]

JJV's best hull cleaner. The alluminum cleaner does wonders on the bottom of my boat since below the splash rail is not painted. I would guess the hull (for all painted boats) cleaner would work just as well.

[Kyhl]

Search these words on you tube (Fiberglass boat hull cleaning with oxalic acid)

Not sure where you would find it but it sure cleaned up the boat in the video.

That's what is in the star brite hull cleaner .

[8-Ball]

Kyhl- I was at a "fleet" store today but they didnt have the star brite. Where did you pick it up at?

[Kyhl]

I thought they used to carry it. Maybe they are out.

I picked up my last bottle either there or at R marina in Shokapee.

[8-Ball]

Thx- I will try another fleet somewhat close to me...

[magnum mike]

I haven't found anything that Magic Erasers can't clean. They are AMAZING!

[RK]

Hiya -

I've tried a bunch of stuff, but the best I've ever used, hands down, is Wonderfoam from Larsen Sales. Search for it online, and get some. Stuff is unreal. Use the Restore for light clean up and Wonderfoam for the really nasty stuff.

The BOSS uses it to clean the kitchen sink and shower too. Spray it on, wipe it off. Amazing stuff.

[8-Ball]

Thx for all the suggestions.. I finally found the Star Brite hull cleaner at a certain "fleet" store. Man its some strong stuff. It took off the stains immediately. But a word of caution- use rubber gloves, long pants, goggles when/if you use this stuff. Highly acidic. I know it prob says all this on the bottle... I did at least have goggles on, but accidentally caught a whiff or two of this stuff and it is potent stuff. RK- I am going to do a search for the stuff you suggested, for household use.. Thx! 8-Ball.

[Kyhl]

I wouldn't call it highly acidic. I've worked with acids before for cleaning stainless steel in food production. This is nothin'.

The acid based deck strippers are a lot stronger. I have burned holes through my skin with a drop of that stuff while stripping my deck.

I don't even use gloves with this. It will irritate senitive skin though, like the underside of forearms.

Keep in mind, use outside and never mix with bleach.

[8-Ball]

Well, for me it was.. I dont get out much.. Sure worked, though.

[B@ssDoctor]

You should dilute the Star Brite to at least 2-1 water. Other wise you may etch a little too much. I do have a questions though, once you clean the aluminimum, so it is sparkling clean, how do you protect it from getting dirty the next time. Seems like mine was clean for 2 days and then returned to the same old. Wax? Polish? What?

[Kyhl]

I go to the car wash and spray on their wax. Hand waxing would be better.

The best method I've found is to bring a towel and wipe down the boat after it's been in the water. This doesn't help if the boat is left in stained water for a few days though.