Cleaning out bilge for refinish

[62cruiserinc]

I have a 1962 cruiser Inc (16') that was given to me recently. I've removed the floor, seats, etc. The boat is a lapstrake with plywood below the waterline.

According to the previous owner, there was a small leak at the keel. I need to clean the bilge area, which is dirty and also has some oily dirt near the transom. Without cleaning it, it's hard to tell where the finish is gone and where the dirt just hides an existing finish.

These pictures show the bilge area:

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/fastsuv/62%20Cruiser%20Inc/Merc700122.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/fastsuv/62%20Cruiser%20Inc/Merc700113.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/fastsuv/62%20Cruiser%20Inc/Merc700112.jpg

Note that in the first picture I wet a finger and rubbed the dirt in one spot to show there are spots where the finish is good and it's just dirty on top of it.

How should I clean the bilge?

I was considering getting a few friends and leaning the boat against my barn, transom side down. Then I could use a pressure washer (low-pressure setting with wide fan spray obviously) with simple green as the cleaner/degreaser.

Has anyone done this and has a better idea?

Also, after I clean it, what should I use to refinish the bilge area?



Thanks

Steve

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Cleaning out bilge for refinish

Pressure washing sounds good ....... and if you are in a climate where is will dry out properly I would use marine varnish - multiple coats.....it will look great. I am pretty sure that is the finish on there now.