Cleaning Off Water Spots

[JimS123]

I'm posting here because its not really PWC specific, though it applies more in that regard.

After owning a black car I swore never to buy one again. Why I bought a black jetski is beyond me...

I usually wipe off and use Meguires Quick Detailer after each ride, but this week the boat was in the water all week for vacation, so it never got cleaned. The white spots look awful.

I've used Lime Away on fiberglas before with good results, but my Yamaha doesn't have gelcoat - it's painted. So, I wouldn't dare try it. Cleaner wax only takes half of it off, and only with a lot of elbow grease. I wouldn't use polish or buffing compound either since the Yamis are noted for scratching easily.

Any suggestions?




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[spoilsofwar]

A detailed thread on the topic: (it's automotive intended. But since your PWC is painted, it should apply)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...pots-hand.html

In your case, I'm guessing white vinegar is the way to proceed.

 

[ricohman]

Try a touch of vinegar in water, in a spray bottle. We used this at the car dealer I worked for when I was a kid.
Took the water spots right off.

 

[ziggy]

try 'ducky water spot remover'. ducky is the brand name
don't know if it's good for paint, but i used it on my fx140 for the 5 or 6 years i owned it. no ramifications other than it was the only product i found that would remove them nasty water spots.
i've got a boat now. i use it on that too. same results. it removes water spots.

 

[oldjeep]

Babes Spot solver works fine - basically purple coloring, vinegar, and some other stuff in it. However vinegar removes wax
http://babesboats.com/product/babes-...lver-1-gallon/

On my mostly black boat I use either Eagle One wax as you dry or Turtle Wax wax as you dry. Both of them work fine on a dry surface and add a little extra wax to the boat and both would be fine for gel or paint, you just have to give it a good rub with a microfiber towel if you have let them dry on for a while. They keep it good and shiny and our local water leaves some pretty tough water spots.

 

[TyeeMan]

I'll second the Ducky Water Spot Remover. Man, the stuff is short of unbelievable and super easy to use!! I just found the product last year and wish I would have found it years ago.
Incidentally, I use it on a painted aluminum boat.

 

[ScottyG213]

I am having an issue with a mercury mid section cowling that looks like water spots yet they only show up when the cowling gets wet and the areas turn white. When dry they are pretty much invisible. Any suggestions on what this could be, what caused it or how to removing these "disappearing water spots"?

 

[JimS123]

Thanks for all the comments. Spoils link was quite informative. I'm a fan of Meguires, so the comments in that link made me google them first. West marine carries it, but my local store didn't stock it. The manager recommended Duckeys, so I went in today and bought a bottle.

It worked very well, and I followed it with a coat of Meguires wax. The wife and I took her for a ride today for a few hours and when I got home i merely wiped her down with Meguires detailer and had no spots.

I'll probably go for Meguires next time (I'm a 3m retiree and get the stuff for a buck a bottle.....LOL), but the Duckeys ios cheaper and it works just fine.

Thanks again to all that posted.