Stains on hull from sand

[Dami860]

I typically launch from a dusty dirt parking lot. I've been noticing the hull around the rear deck of my boat is getting a rust like color on it and it doesn't remove when I get home and wash it. Obviously it kinda sticks out because it's on white. Anyone experienced anything like this?

 

[Marvin willis]

Pics?

 

[Dami860]

Pics?

It's tough to get a good shot of it where it shows up. I'll try to take some today.

 

[anmut]

Is your water tannic, or brown in color? Sounds like the river scum I get. If so, it won't come off with regular soap, but Starbrite makes a scum cleaner that has a mild acid in it. You can also use toilet bowl cleaner - wipe it on the scum, wait a few minutes, and rinse off. You will want to re-wax those areas.

 

[Dami860]

Is your water tannic, or brown in color? Sounds like the river scum I get. If so, it won't come off with regular soap, but Starbrite makes a scum cleaner that has a mild acid in it. You can also use toilet bowl cleaner - wipe it on the scum, wait a few minutes, and rinse off. You will want to re-wax those areas.

Good call. It is a nasty river so perhaps that's it. I'll give that a shot.

 

[TeenGee]

I have good success removing blemishes with California Gold® Clay Bars . This makes the gelcoat noticeable smoother.

 

[anmut]

Good call. It is a nasty river so perhaps that's it. I'll give that a shot.

I keep my hull super clean and, even after a day on the Wisconsin River, I'll still get a scum line on the side near the transom due to floating in the water. Nasty stuff.

 

[biffdotorg]

StarBrite EZ On/Off, no scrubbing necessary. But where gloves, and be sure to do it in a ventilated area. I do my hull at least once per year.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I’d try vinegar and water, mixed in equal parts, spray it on and keep it wet, I use a deck brush to get the hard water stains off.

But it it won’t come off with that..

The other folks recommendations are great, but @drewkaree gave me this recipe to use. Its very strong, won’t hurt your trailer but will more than likely kill grass. Be sure and wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes, eye protection, gloves and a respirator. Those are PPE items you should use with any of the stronger solutions. And stay up wind when spraying it on, keep children, pets and idiots away from the work area. Be sure and rinse with plenty of fresh water. Wash the clothes separately and run an extra rinse or two.