Group: Members
Posts: 817
Member No.: 9047
Joined: February 21, 2015
Well Fall is officially here, and I wanted to give to boat a good cleaning after a ton of time picking up scum and water spots like crazy. Black paint looks so nice... but holy water spots and cruddy film!
I’ve read up as much as I can, and have been trying the distilled water and vinegar route, detailing spray, soap and water, elbow grease, etc. Looks a million times better, but still can’t get nearly everything off.
Anyone have any silver bullet that cleans aluminum boats? These water spots are going to drive me batty! I don’t want to damage the paint, but there has got to be a solution the does not require me rubbing the top coat off.
Love the Summer on Simcoe, hate the after season cleanup!
Group: Members
Posts: 404
Member No.: 4287
Joined: May 29, 2013
Brake cleaner has worked for me at the rear of my boat for the heavy scum line that develops. It cleaned it up very nicely. I haven't had any paint damage as a result, and believe me I was very careful at first. That said, I have no idea what it will do to YOUR paintwork, so if you opt to try it, proceed with caution and apply sparingly, and don't blame me if things go wrong lol.
Group: Members
Posts: 502
Member No.: 10908
Joined: January 25, 2016
Do t just use some crappy so called Marine Wax. Get an actual marine wax made by a company that specializes in Marine. Some marine wax is just automotive wax in a marine labeled bottle.
Group: Members
Posts: 1211
Member No.: 414
Joined: February 26, 2011
Hey Blackcrow, No Surprise to read your post. I asked the same question 5 years ago when I bought my Black Lund Rebel. Love the way black looks until it hits Simcoe water. The best I can tell you is what was told to me from this forum. Wash the boat with vinegar and water, the harder the stains the stronger the vinegar, followed by car wash soap. Dry it off. Then get a bottle of NU FINISH and put it on your boat. This is the only thing that has worked. Plus I wash my boat with vinegar now after each time it goes in Simcoe.
Group: Members
Posts: 817
Member No.: 9047
Joined: February 21, 2015
Thanks for all the great suggestions everybody!
I decided to give ya distilled water and vinegar a second shot at 50/50 mix... it worked pretty well. Some spots needed a second and third sparky and wipe to get the spots off, and it’s not absolutely perfect, however it’s as good as it’s looked since new by far.
Half the boat is done, and will try to complete it tomorrow weather permitting.
Love the wax idea to keep the water bearing off for a while!
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