Hull and deck cleaning

[mcanderson]

In the process of buying a 4 year old Beneteau. The hull and deck could do with a clean and polish. What I am looking for is advice and tips on doing it myself. Product recommendations greatly appreciated along with process tips and tools required.

I could pay to have it done prior to picking her up, but I am also partial to the idea of doing it myself.

Many thanks.

 

[Caer Urfa]

At four years old she can not be that bad.
Forget your expensive boaty stuff from chandlers!
Spend some time with a Jet power washer, you will be surprised how it will start to come up.
Next scrup/wash with 'CIF' the old Jif houshold cleaner.(then wash off)
Next 'T' cut (the car stuff).
Finaly polish with 'Mer' from Halfords
Regards
Mike

 

[mcanderson]

She isn't, but with a bit of effort she will be great. I will give your idea a go. Many thanks.

 

[Gubbo]

Hmm... Afraid I've seen some examples of household cleaners taking the shine off GRP permanently. T-cut isn't designed for GRP and, again, may clean perfectly but will you get a mirror shine back again?

I would respectfully suggest that you play safe with a four-year-old boat and spend a few quid more on proper boaty stuff. I have got on very well with Starbrite Heavy Duty Cleaner Wax. It works wonders on marks, you can cover the whole boat before having to polish off and leaves a good, long lasting shine. It's about £17 for a bottle that'll last two seasons so I reckon it's good value compared with the overall cost of boating.

 

[MoodySabre]

Starbrite hull cleaner followed by Mer polish does a good job on my 20 year old boat.