Boat cleaning - any tips?

[corp0193]

We have finally taken the plunge and bought our first boat.
What is the best way to clean the deck - it seems to have yellow staining from water sitting on it? Also the windows (thick plastic) have yellowed and have opaque streaks - any tips for cleaning these??
thanks

 

[BAtoo]

The best stuff I have found in a chandlers is the bright pink concentrated boat wash (cant remember the name) & a stiff hand-brush.
Alternatively a really concentrated solution of household washing powder and a scrubber again - not sure about its eco-friendliness tho.
Pressure washers work well but can be too tough especially on teak.

If the windows are very old it may be aging discolouration and be irreparable.

 

[G12]

Assuming it's a GRP deck that you are referring to - Oxalic acid solution to remove the stains. You can buy the posh expensive chandlery stuff called Y10 or you can pop onto ebay and buy yourself a bag of crystals to mix yourself at a much lesser cost.

 

[philip_stevens]

As for the hull, I use Sodium Hypochlorite - Hypo - from farm suppliers. Gets the 5h1t off very easily and quickly. Use a pressure spray container, spray it on, brush it in, and then wash it off. It also takes the dark stains out of bare wood.

As for the window's, I'm not too sure if Hypo would work here or cause a problem. I have glass windows, and Hypo works OK.

 

[MoodySabre]

I have moulded non-slip areas on my boat and a pressure is no problem - just fun watching it change colour after the winter. Go easy on wood and painted surfaces - if you have Treadmaster then a moderate pressure washer always worked for me.

Wash the windows and try polishing the with car polish - it may just be bloom that will come off.

 

[G12]

As for the hull, I use Sodium Hypochlorite - Hypo - from farm suppliers. Gets the 5h1t off very easily and quickly. Use a pressure spray container, spray it on, brush it in, and then wash it off. It also takes the dark stains out of bare wood.

As for the window's, I'm not too sure if Hypo would work here or cause a problem. I have glass windows, and Hypo works OK.

This too is excellent stuff, however it kills certain sealants. I had to reseal various deck fittings after using it and still have some of the sikaflex on the rubbing strake to replace.
Used it in the bilge - excellent stuff and cheap as chips.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Dishwasher Powder ( Cheap ) mix in a bucket . Use a stiff brush and rinse off . Cleans mould etc . Watch it though it makes your hands a bit slippery so gloves help . Good luck with the new boat . Think you might have to bite the bullet with the perspex and just replace it .

 

[haydude]

We have finally taken the plunge and bought our first boat.
What is the best way to clean the deck - it seems to have yellow staining from water sitting on it? Also the windows (thick plastic) have yellowed and have opaque streaks - any tips for cleaning these??
thanks

The yellow is likely to be iron oxide dust. Cillit Bang! is your friend, spray and leave for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with sponge or brush and rinse. Time is important, do not leave for longer because if the gelcoat is shiny (unlikely if you have those sort of stains) it will remove the shine too.

 

[corp0193]

thanks for the replies. will don the rubber gloves and give a selection a go this weekend!

 

[SAMYL]

As for the hull, I use Sodium Hypochlorite - Hypo - from farm suppliers. Gets the 5h1t off very easily and quickly. Use a pressure spray container, spray it on, brush it in, and then wash it off. It also takes the dark stains out of bare wood.

As for the window's, I'm not too sure if Hypo would work here or cause a problem. I have glass windows, and Hypo works OK.

Beware, sodium hypochlorite is just bleach, same as Domestos or whatever supermarket brand. Treat with respect.

As for perspex windows, they come up great with toothpaste then Brasso or similar. Toothpaste is excellent for cleaning just about any plastic but you don't need the one with the stripes!