Cleaning a Boat?

[Bunnerrabbit]

Thanks for Looking I just bought a 02 Carolina Skiff and from the looks of it it looks more like a 92. It did sit in ocean water and has some stuff growing on it but it comes off with the wipe of your hand so I am thinking a pressure washer would take all of it off, It has bottom paint on it. I would like to take the bottom paint off totally and its also turning yellow where it sat in the water some. Can anything clean that? Inside is clean but the cushions have mildew like spots that don't easily come off easily. Bleach? What are boat safe cleaners? Suggestion on cleaning welcome. Also got a dumb question is a 4 stroke yamaha. There is a lever on the control box that you have to like pump? what is it. Choke? Also any idea how hard it is to take the decals off? also where to find new ones?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cleaning a Boat?

all your questions are answered in this form. pressure wash. then scrape if necessary, sand and repaint the bottom. there are plenty of mildew removers on the market, or straight bleach, but rinse throughly. Cascade with dawn, Dishwasher soap, is an excellant cleaning agent for both jobs.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Cleaning a Boat?

Follow TD's recommendation's for the cleaning - right on the money!
The lever on your control box is for a higher speed idle setting / up sets it higher.
Decal removal it pretty straightforward. A heat gun and some type of plastic scraper will pretty much remove all of it. However the residual glue will need to be removed by something like Goof Off or similar. Don't use acetone or strong stuff like that - it will attack the plastic on your housing.
Your best bet for replacement decals will be your local Yammy dealer. Be prepared for a money shock - they ain't gonna' be cheap. Also, spend the extra few bucks and have a professional sign or lettering company apply them. The adhesive on the decals is very aggressive. One false step and all could be ruined.
If I could mention if you plan on repainting yourself stick with a straight Urethane ( 2 part ). And remember that your finished product will be no better than the prep you put in to it.
Paint is 99% prep - 1% painting. Have fun and post a few pics when done.