Brown slime/algae

[FreeBeeTony]

I am getting ready (almost) to pull my boat out of the water. This is the first year I left it in the water and didn't trailer it. I live on Long Island and dock in salt water.It's filthy! <br /><br />What's the best method to get rid of the ring around the boat above the water line? Is there a chemical or cleaning solution? I plan on power washing it but I think it will take more than that. What about the outdrive? I take it off for the winter....any special way to clean the o/d in preperation for next year? I used anti-fouling paint on it but it is also pretty green!

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Brown slime/algae

Hi FreeBeeTony,<br /><br />Here in the Med, this is always a BIG problem. Many boats wrap canvas right under and round the hull if they're left in the water all season.<br /><br />The growth's a bit like cow dung - let it dry and you almost have to grind it off! If you have access to a slipway, the lads here scrape off the worst while the boat's in the water, using plastic scrapers. The rest will scrub off without too much hassle - much easier if it's thoroughly wet and soft.<br /><br />With a name like that, you're not the UK Prime Minister are you?<br /><br />Ciao

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Brown slime/algae

Tony...there are lots of cleaners out there but I use muriatic acid, spray it on and wait a few minutes, use a brush in the really thick spots and power wash off. CAUTION...use gloves, mask and goggles as it is very strong stuff. Can pick it up at most pool supply places or hardware stores. In Canada it's about $8 gallon.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Brown slime/algae

The best stuff on the market is Marykate On-Off.It is an acid so follow the directions and wear gloves.If you can do some scrubbing while it is still in the water it will save you a lot of time and effort.Depending on how fouled up it is you can also try tidy bowl toilet cleaner.Most here recommend it.I may give it a try myself.If you are pressure washing it is best to do it immediately after pulling it out of the water.The sooner the better,before it dries.Charlie

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Brown slime/algae

Why? So it will look good over the winter in the driveway? ITS A BOAT! Next year will do it again. I am ASSUMING that your bottom is painted also. IF IT IS NOT YOU DID A VERY BIG MISTAKE. NOW you will need to powersand the hull and paint it...barnacles are forever...you DON'T leave a unprotected boat in salt for months. Neighbor paid me a good buck to get rid of 2 months worth of barnacles this spring. If you have a green ring on the anti-fouling at the waterline, (like mine does-normal) thats because it doesn't get rubbed off like the rest of the bottom (Ablative paint). Paint over it...so what? I WOULD NOT go putting acid on this hull if its painted !!!I just do a light power wash, and a touch up in the spring on my big boat. I power wash my unpainted 20 foot, (stays in no longer than 3 weeks) and who cares about the brown bottom. You acid it off, it will just come back. You want a clean boat, helps to have a great job and let someone else do the work! On the outdrive, cover any zincs, spray completly with white grease, crap will fall off when ya pull the boat out, rinse, repeat....been doing my boats for years that way in salt. <br />Ps. And if your unpainted hull grabs the same crap that comes out of Puget Sound, when you pull that hull and stick it in the driveway, you will meet a lot of new cats in your neighborhood, and also might want to book a Motel 6 for a week or so...WHEW!

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Brown slime/algae

Yes.......the bottom is painted, and yes I would like to keep it as clean as I can. I don't like it when things aren't clean.........even if it is only a boat. I put alot of work into getting it to look the way it does and take pride in it's appearance. I bet I'm not the only one out there that feels this way either!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Brown slime/algae

Originally posted by FreeBeeTony:<br /> Yes.......the bottom is painted, and yes I would like to keep it as clean as I can. I don't like it when things aren't clean

I understand where you are coming from. 45 years of building/riding custom Harleys under my belt, and own 70 feet of boat in 4 sizes. Live in a private commuity with 600 some houses with our own Marina (100+slips) and the seagulls get the best of them anyway. Three people on our little dogpatch died this week...56, 53, and 63...all with clean houses and boats. Some things just aint that important at times. Anyway, pull the boat and see what it looks like first...you just might be suprised at how well the paint works. Good luck.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Brown slime/algae

If the brown ring above the water line doesn't come off with soap and water, go to Home Depot and buy some muriatic acid. Put a small amount on a piece of cloth and presto, brown stain comes off. Rinse with water.<br />Be careful. Remember, it's an acid. Maybe wear some gloves. <br />I have also read on this BB that Tidy Bowl works wonders. Haven't tried it yet. <br />When I was up on LI I used to srub the bottom of the boat after hauling with dish washing detergent. Try that on the outdrive.

 

[phaeton]

Re: Brown slime/algae

fbtony - as others have said you are looking for some acid. Over here we tend to use oxalic and mix it up with wall paper paste crystals to make a nice paste that will stick to the hull for a few minutes and do it's job before washing off, polish and wax to a good as new hull.<br />All this is of course for teh above the waterline brown bit - below you are into pressure wash and a new coat of antifouling.<br />You might consider a band of contrasting antifoul around the waterline - boot topping. Easier to keep clean through the season and smart if kept so. Just need to go through the pain of masking/painting/masking/painting -= but hell that's boating!<br />All the usual safety warnings and consider the wash off factors as well.