Algea on bottom of boat

J

jkswor

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C Dory Year
2007
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Vessel Name
Missy marie
How does one get all that algae off the bottom of the boat after a month and a half in a slip?
Took me all day to wash it off by hand with clorox and a fine scratcher.
There is a stain that is left. Anyone know how to remove the stain left by the algae?
thanks
 
A power washer on medium power is one way to remove the material. Do not use high power because it is possible to damage gel coat.

There are a number of materials to remove the stain--most contain oxalic acid. Toilet bowl cleaners are popular--use gloves, eye protection and I like to use a protective suit. If it is not too bad, you can just mix powder oxalic acid (and make a saturated solution to spray on the boat with a garden sprayer, then wash off. Starbrite makes a hull cleaner, so does Mary Kate "On and Off"
 
I've successfully used a low power electric pressure washer to get the big stuff off, then toilet bowl cleaner (Sno-Bol works great and is cheap).

Let the toilet bowl cleaner sit for a few minutes, scrub lightly, then rinse thoroughly. You may have to repeat a couple of times. When finished, put a couple coats of wax on.

Sno-Bol is very effective on rust stains, yellow fiberglass where stuff grew, etc. But, it's nasty stuff...don't breathe it, don't touch it. Sno-Bol apparently eats galvanizing away, so keep it off the trailer.
 
For you folks in Fla, Sno Bol also removes tanic acid stains from the rivers down there.
 
Has anyone ever used "Wet and Forget" to attack this problem? Might work if you are dry-docked for a while.

John
Swee Pea
 
My hull is unbelievably scummy after all year in figer lakes. I will be trying these methods and borrowing a pressure washer.
 
Bought some Barkeepers friend to try and get rid of stain.
Will try the wet and forget next year if I can find it. It says use monthly.
 
We have used OFF and ON on several of our boats. It really works well but is nasty stuff to use. Be sure to protect you and the boat trailer.
 
One of the main ingredients of Bar Keepers friend is Oxalic acid. It is a mild abrasive. I use it on decks for stains.
 
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