Boat cleaning etc

[Simpo Two]

I have managed to engage the services of a trusty carpet cleaner to make the outside of HMS Simpo clean and shiny. Great attitude, very happy to do the work and try new things - but he hasn't got any boat cleaning products. And other than T-Cut and Turtlewax car polish, neither have I.

So what does the panel recommend in order to make a 27' GRP boat nice and sparkly for the year please?

[Huntsman]

There some stuff called Grunt. Very good, esp at the waterline.

Wear gloves!

If you have teak, Wessex Chemicals 2 part very good.

[minipower]

Depends on the state of your boat. Mine has that terrible chalky look so whilst it is lifted out next week I’ll tackle it with Meguiars Fiberglass Restoration System.

The kit includes an oxidation remover, polish and wax. I’ll swap the wax out with Collinite Insulator Wax as their products are very durable. Using a polisher to apply the products as it would take too long with elbow grease and the results would not be as good.

As Huntsman says, Wessex 2 part cleaner is very good. I then finish with Semco Teak Sealer.

Canopy, I’m still trying to work out the best product.

Apologies, all gone a bit Detailing World! Just get your cabin boy to use an old mop and river water.

[CubanPete]

Oxalic acid and wallpaper paste to clean any staining.

Use a polishing (eg. Fecla) compound rather than T-Cut, as it contains ammonia which can discolour.

DA and pad...

[Ayahuasca]

A galley slave and a whip.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks all. Stains are not the issue as much as algae on the topsides. Advertising for galley slave but not much interest, sadly.

However Amazon has come up with Starbrite deck cleaner https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003IAS484?

- and this as a polish for the rest of it https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starbrite-Pre-Softened-Bo...

What does the panel think?

[MOTORVATOR]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks all. Stains are not the issue as much as algae on the topsides. Advertising for galley slave but not much interest, sadly.

However Amazon has come up with Starbrite deck cleaner https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003IAS484?

- and this as a polish for the rest of it https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starbrite-Pre-Softened-Bo...

What does the panel think?

HCI for the rusty stuff.

H3PO4 for the mouldy stuff

C?H?O? for the oily stuff

C2H2O4 for the yellow stuff

Please post photos of your chemistry set and the resultant reactions encountered.


IANAC.

[Badda]

Try patio magic for the algae, I’ve heard it works very well.

[Simpo Two]

MOTORVATOR said:

HCI for the rusty stuff.

H3PO4 for the mouldy stuff

C?H?O? for the oily stuff

C2H2O4 for the yellow stuff

I do like a bit of chemistry!

So what chemical do I need to anodise aluminium and can you supply it...?

[MOTORVATOR]

Simpo Two said:

MOTORVATOR said:

HCI for the rusty stuff.

H3PO4 for the mouldy stuff

C?H?O? for the oily stuff

C2H2O4 for the yellow stuff

I do like a bit of chemistry!

So what chemical do I need to anodise aluminium and can you supply it...?

Best protection for aluminium is it's naturally oxidised surface so just leave it alone.

I'm saving you fortunes in time and money here.

[Huntsman]

Euro Car Parts Traffic film remover.

[CubanPete]

Simpo Two said:

MOTORVATOR said:

HCI for the rusty stuff.

H3PO4 for the mouldy stuff

C?H?O? for the oily stuff

C2H2O4 for the yellow stuff

I do like a bit of chemistry!

So what chemical do I need to anodise aluminium and can you supply it...?

Sulphuric acid, Sodiun Hydroxide, a battery charger and a few other bits and pieces.

Not too difficult to do at home.

https://www.wikihow.com/Anodize-Aluminum

[paintman]

Not tried it on the boat - yet - but Dettol's Mould & Mildew Remover is very good for removing the grot that build up along caravan joints esp the mastic along the awning rails.
Tooth brush to get into awkward bits.

[andyb28]

Huntsman said:

Euro Car Parts Traffic film remover.

I haven't tried it on my boat yet, but I use Activate for many other things. It's good stuff!