Cleaning off sticky UV gunge from fenders etc

[Sans Bateau]

Any ideas? The fenders and horse shoe things have a sticky crud on them from UV, what works to remove it?

 

[johnphilip]

Any ideas? The fenders and horse shoe things have a sticky crud on them from UV, what works to remove it?

Once the fenders have reached this state the only effective cure is by extensive application of the wallet on replacements. I have tried expensive "Specialist " fender cleaners with no acceptable result. Cream cleaners such as Cif help but the surface will now always get dirt easily ingrained.

 

[Grampus]

I used the cleaning solvent that is used to degrease hyperlon tenders and the like when you need to patch them. It is a ketone, smells of pear drops, and it worked well on my fenders. Comes in half litre tins from the chandlers.

 

[antaris]

I have used industrial acetone, which essentially melts the material and removes a layer. Surely this is a little drastic, but it worked for me. Only did it on my old fenders...

Work it fast, so that the towel/microfiber thingy does not get stuck onto the fender!

Then, in a years time, buy new ones, since the crud comes back! (or buy fabric covers, if you find them cheap enough)...

 

[cmedsailor]

Acetone works fine.

 

[LadyInBed]

Well you could throw money at it!
I used washing up liquid, cream cleaner and s/s wire wool, worked for me

 

[Andy61]

Try "Grimex" wipes. They are for hand cleaning where water is not available. Last month whilst my hull was being coppercoated I trod in some coppercoat whilst wearing crocs. I then climbed a wooden ladder and stepped on deck and into the cockpit. I realised what I had done when climbing down the ladder I put my hand in the stuff. Grimex cleaned hand, shoe, teak seat and cap rail, fibre glass, everything. Marvellous product. I have no connection to the company - just happened to have some on board just in case.

 

[rudolph_hart]

I used Fairy Power Spray and a washing up brush. Got it off. Now use it once each season which keeps them looking good and performing well.

 

[chubby]

I keep the worst at the back of a locker for the times when you might need to sacrifice a fender, say against a really rough quayside or rusty old fishing boat and use the best fenders for everyday: never chuck out a useable fender in case you find a situation where you need every one you have!

 

[Sans Bateau]

Nice one Chubby, next time we meet up I'll show you how much space we have in our lockers, you can then impress me with your size!

 

[V1701]

CT1's Multisolve product should do it:

http://www.ct1ltd.com/en/multisolve-products.html

Or have a word with Barry Scott?

 

[nigelmercier]

Try "Grimex" wipes...

Having used similar products, I find that the liquid goes a lot further: http://amzn.to/1lmrWth

 

[CJU]

Perhaps you could do as we did on our boat and buy some jogging pants from a charity shop to make cheap fender socks from. This not only stops the stickiness but prevents it getting worse.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Yes, fender covers will prevent the fender surface from degrading into sticky grime. However, accumulated dust and grit will rapidly transform the covers into very efficient scouring pads that might not be appreciated by your topsides or those of your neighbour.
I do not allow anyone to tie up alongside my boat unless they first remove the covers.

 

[Sans Bateau]

The other problem with fender socks is that they quickly degrade, get full of holes and look real poo.

 

[chubby]

My prize possession is a fender won in a raffle at the Forum Poole cruise a few years back, I think donated by Capt Ron late of this parish but now in the parish of Galway: the fender is as flat as a pancake but has a lovely line with a real proper whipping on it! SWMBO keeps trying to throw it out!

Nice one Chubby, next time we meet up I'll show you how much space we have in our lockers, you can then impress me with your size!