Best Bottom Cleaners?

[toomuchclub_1113]

Looking for some input on experience with different bottom cleaners. Boat is kept in fresh water. I'm looking for ease of use, basically apply it and wash off.

 

[JB]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

Howdy TMC.<br /><br />I have had good luck with ZAP!. Yes, that is the stuff that has the annoying tv commercials.<br /><br />I found it at a Wall Mart Superstore.<br /><br />Wear rubber gloves when you use that stuff, it is loaded with oxalic acid. <br /><br />Other similar products are "Barkeeps Friend" and "On and Off".<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

Hey JB, Thanks for the info. A related question, do you have to be careful WHERE you use the products? For instance....would the driveway be effected...or the lawn from the acid?

 

[JB]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

I have had no ill effects, TMC. Just flush generously with water.<br /><br />Follow the directions on the bottle very carefully.

 

[gorilla]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

If you have a fiberglass boat, use muriatic acid, about one part added to three parts water. It's necessary to use gloves and a toilet swab with a plastic handle since this stuff destroys metal. Do it in the grass or on blacktop since it etches cement, also. It's cheap and the water stain disappears like magic. Hose it off after wetting the stained area. Be careful, it is unpleasant on your skin.

 

[Combee]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

Toomuchclub,<br /><br />Try On/Off. The stuff works great. If your boat is on a galvanized trailer you have to cover it. After using it make sure you use a good wax on the hull. Good Luck!

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

Thanks to all for the information on the Hull Cleaners. I have some follow up questions relating to On - Off I've purchased.<br /><br />First of all I do have a Galvenized trailer, so I've purchased plastic to cover the areas I'm working on.<br /><br />What's best to use for application, the instructions say a NATURAL brush, what exactly does this mean?<br /><br />Secondly do I need to be extra cautious around the outdrive? Will it cause immediate corrosion or will a hose full of water take care of any spill over. I just don't want to get it where it's not supposed to be.<br /><br />I've tested a small area with a tiny artists brush and it does work great!! I'm looking forward to getting the rest of the crap of of it, but need some tips before I get started.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Combee]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

Toomuch,<br /><br />I just use a soft brush. I put a little in a bucket (be careful of the fumes) and stick the brush in there to get it wet and brush it on the hull. I run an outboard so I’m not sure what it would do to a outdrive. I’m sure it wouldn’t be any good for it, but if you washed it off right away you should be fine. In tight areas I have just used thick rubber gloves and towel and just wiped it on and hosed it off. <br /><br />Remember to put a good coat of wax on your hull after you’re done. It’s great stuff and easy to use!<br /><br />Let me know if you have any other questions.<br /><br />Dan

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Best Bottom Cleaners?

i use a product called slimy grimy. that's right. it's a powder that u mix with hot water. i use a spray bottle to apply, wait about 5 min. then hose off. works great, is biodegradable, contains no acid so it won't burn & u don't have to wax afterwards. i once used muriatic acid. never again. i diluted it as the instructions said, & applied it per ins. well, guess what. after waiting a couple min. to let the stuff work, i hosed it off & it blistered the gel coat! luckily i had only done a small section on the hull bottom. the stuff is a hazard to work with. before u use any product containing acid to clean your hull, test it on a small section first.