Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

[chedges]

Hello all, I have a 2009 Bennington and love it, we take very good care of it.

First Question, last year started to get these damn black streaks going down the side of the alum body of the boat. Really stands out on the red and cream colors. I ordered some 3M black streak remover and was all amped about cleaning this off, no such luck. I was using a wax applicator thinking it was firm enough but not to abrasive. Any ideas?

Second cleaning question- The alum 3-4" rail and the 1" railing all seem to be either oxidizing or lime, What is the best way to clean this and prevent it from happening if you can. On a clear river, but in N.E.

Third and maybe asked this, is there a rag, broom, scrub brush that is recommended for these two issues. ******** did tell me it would take some elbow grease, but heck I was rubbing like a big dog and it did remove some, but not what it say's it will do. They also suggested Toonbright on the railings? Did not really work either.

 

[doug0734]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Hello

I too have a Bennington. It is a 2001. For the rails I use Noxon to clean and protect them. For the toons ,I use the noxon to remove spots and then a good auto wax to clean up the toons and to protect them. My boat has been in both salt and fresh water and it looks fine. For any painted surfaces with black marks I would ask someone at your local RV shop what they use to claen the sides of the RV/ Motorhomes . Good Luck

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Can you post pictures of the problem areas?

 

[junkman41]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

there is a product out there at RV centers for removing black streaks on campers, and it works really good,spray it on let it stand for a few and hose it off. it takes the black streaks off and cleans the alluminum up. I can't remember the name of it, I went to the garage to see what the name of it was, but I had taken up to the cabin,

 

[James R]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Shiny Side will clean most aluminum muck off. JV's Best was supposed to take care of a real bad toon mess I had but it failed. It may be adequate for your needs though. Real bad situations will need Muriatic acid. If it is black mold then bleach will do it.
Protect with Clear Coat or a good automotive wax.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

How about Naval (Navel?) Jelly? Never used it, but heard it's good on aluminum.

 

[junkman41]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Mothers, has a marine black streak remover also

 

[chedges]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Who caries the Mothers remover.

 

[junkman41]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

here is a link to mothers black streak remover

www.mothers.com/02_products/91624.html

 

[Mosnowman]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

I used NAPA brand Aluminum Brightner from NAPA auto parts store on my toons. Spray it on ...leave for 20-30 seconds...hose off...works lik a charm with no effort! $10 buck a bottle...used 2 bottles on my 25 foot toon....

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Go down to the Dollar store and get a gallon of LA's Totally Awesome cleaner. Dilute at 3 to 1 and spray on. The streaks should wipe off with a paper towel. I've been using it for years now with no damage to the paint or the decals. It also works well on the seats but rinse well after using it. (and once the seats are clean treat them with 303 protectorant). And it's dirt cheap.

On the tubes or the rails, get them clean and then use Sharkhide (www.sharkhide.com) phenomenal stuff. They won't get dirty again for a long time. It's a little costly but a little bit goes a long way.

 

[ckwizard]

Re: Cleaning the black streaks and Lime/oxid discolor on alum rails

Go down to the Dollar store and get a gallon of LA's Totally Awesome cleaner. Dilute at 3 to 1 and spray on. The streaks should wipe off with a paper towel. I've been using it for years now with no damage to the paint or the decals. It also works well on the seats but rinse well after using it. (and once the seats are clean treat them with 303 protectorant). And it's dirt cheap.

X2 on the Awesome cleaner, I have used it on my RV for years and it will remove black streaks like nothin else.