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Can anyone recommend a good hull cleaner? Just bought a used Outrage that's in great shape except hull is dirty. Has been used in fresh water only but prior owners really didn't do much cleaning. I see many cleaners contain oxalic acid. Is this OK to use?
Also have a recommendation to try rubbing compound with an electric buffer. Thoughts?
There are a lot of products depending on how bad the hull is.
For fairly light hull oxidation, I use 3M Fiberglass Cleaner and Wax. This is one application for both and the hull shines when I am finished.
I would buy a small bottle and see if it works for you unless your hull is heavily oxidized then you might want to start with some other product or method.
Ive thought about your question and decided to answer it . This is a problem dear to my heart. For years I have had boats and at first I would get raves on my varnish work and then along came fiberglass. This method works like a charm.
The last yacht I sold I got $15,000. more than the broker listed it for because of the condition of the gel coat. You take 3M RUBBING COMPOUND. CUT IT WITH 25% water and apply it to the gel coat and then buff it out with a powerbuffer, then apply a pure wax as a final coat you will find that your oxidation will dissapear along with most of your scratches.and your finish will look a mile deep.
Power washer (set on LOW) don't toast the new $200 ant. like I did.
assorted stiff brushes
a small palm sander with "Scotch Bright" (plastic Brillo) cut to the size of it.
add a small amount of "Comet liquid cleaner" to it, and a paste of "Bon Ami" (has'nt scratched yet) powder, use lightly to remove any stains on the hull, rinse, and apply a good wax, results are amazing, I use "Tire Magic" on the rub rail. I wanted to put a very small, thin, red flourescent boot stripe along the dark blue bottom paint but, felt it would compromise that "Classic" New England look, those "Apple Knocker's" would put "Mahogony" or "Teak" on an "Inflatible boat", and you know what ? IT WOULD LOOK GOOD ! besides, I'd get dragged out into the parking lot and lumped up by everyone on W/C if I did that.
