Cleaning engine hatch?

[MissScarlet]

Hello everyone,

I acquired a 2015 Yamaha SX190 and the engine hatch looks like it has some mold. What would you all use to get this off of the fiberglass and the hoses? See photo. It's not terrible, but I would like it to be cleaner.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Elliott]

Since no one has a specific suggestion, go to starbrite.com. They have an array of cleaners, stain removers and prevention products, and you will want to buy the items from Amazon or use Amazon to price match at West Marine.

 

[JetPowered]

Why not try a bleach solution? I would think most in the bilge is just dirt on the surface. The hose you can hit with a deck brush, tub brush or toothbrush.

 

[Beachbummer]

That's gel coat at the bottom I think. Any cleaner will do wonders. Fantastic or Awesome and a clean cloth will make it beautyful. Try Something mild for the drain hose first. Clorox spray may help with mildew if it's stubborn.

 

[Dean P]

Maybe a dumb idea, but, if carefully controlled and positioned, could a (low PSI) pressure washer be used here. Spray first with a cleaner wait a few minutes and then spray? Don't forget to remove the drain plug.

 

[Beachbummer]

After you see what happens with a cloth and a normal cleaner, you won't need to.

 

[Julian]

Magic Erasers.....I buy them by the box! Fantastic for cleaning the floor or anything really....

As @Beachbummer says, the bottom of the engine compartment is fiberglass....that will be easy to clean.

 

[MissScarlet]

Thanks everyone! I guess I am less concerned about the bottom of the bilge, which I know will be easy to clean, and more concerned about the hoses. I don’t want them to disintegrate because I use the wrong cleaner. Thoughts on the hoses?

 

[merlinjet]

Simple Green should clean the hoses without any damage.

 

[biffdotorg]

Maybe a dumb idea, but, if carefully controlled and positioned, could a (low PSI) pressure washer be used here. Spray first with a cleaner wait a few minutes and then spray? Don't forget to remove the drain plug.

I did just that in our previous boat. It had a fair amount of this sort of mess and it worked fine. I used Simple Green and sprayed the entire area down, hit it with a brush and rinsed with a pressure washer. Bleach is a great option too, clorox cleanup for example. Star Brite products work very well too.

Pressure washers are only as damaging as how you use it. Rotating dirt buster tips cause no damage outside of 18-24" even at 1800psi. I can hold my hand two feet from that tip and not harm it. Get it within 10 and it will start peeling skin, so keep your distance.

In an engine bay, it's just another way to rinse, and works fine.

Good luck!