Dirty Decks

[tyler_bee]

I have a fiberglass Fishing Skiff that has pretty decent California oxidation in on the deck/cockpit from about 10 years uncovered. Floor is white.

When I Ajax the deck it cleans up nicely but any foot traffic leaves black stains that have to be scrubbed very throughly before they come off.

This happens from just dirty bare-feet too.

Is this happening because of the oxidization? Do I just need to wax the deck to remove it?

Is there something used for "Sealing" the deck again? It's like the oxidization has made pores all over that just suck up the dirt and leave what appears to be permanent marker smudges.

Thanks again super community.

 

[commander315]

Re: Dirty Decks

I take it the deck is at least semi non-skid? If so, 3m makes a special cleaner for non skid surfaces that brings dirt to the surface so it requires less scrubbing. It also leaves a protective coating on the deck that doesn't allow dirt to stick..Hope this helps

 

[tyler_bee]

Re: Dirty Decks

I take it the deck is at least semi non-skid? If so, 3m makes a special cleaner for non skid surfaces that brings dirt to the surface so it requires less scrubbing. It also leaves a protective coating on the deck that doesn't allow dirt to stick..Hope this helps

Yeah, its non skid. covered in little squares that are a few millimeters large.

That 3M product sounds like the ticket. They got it at the big-box stores?

 

[rwidman]

Re: Dirty Decks

I have a fiberglass Fishing Skiff that has pretty decent California oxidation in on the deck/cockpit from about 10 years uncovered. Floor is white.

When I Ajax the deck it cleans up nicely but any foot traffic leaves black stains that have to be scrubbed very throughly before they come off.

This happens from just dirty bare-feet too.

Is this happening because of the oxidization? Do I just need to wax the deck to remove it?

Is there something used for "Sealing" the deck again? It's like the oxidization has made pores all over that just suck up the dirt and leave what appears to be permanent marker smudges.

Thanks again super community.

If you have been using "Ajax" on your fiberglass deck, you've already done some serious damage to it. You have partially worn away the surface and put thousands of very small scratches in the surface that will retain dirt and stains. Ajax is abrasive, much like sanding the deck with sandpaper.

Starbrite makes a very good, non abrasive deck cleaner. I have had excellent results with it. It leaves a coating that repels soil (somewhat).

Buy it at your favorite marine retailer.

http://www.starbrite.com/productdet...uctSSCat=Deck Cleaners & All Purpose Cleaners

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Dirty Decks

Consider getting a quart of awlgrip white paint. Scrub the deck to assure it's clean and dry. Use a 4" roller to apply. The paint is thin enough that it will still have the non-skid surface. Apply 2 coats according to directions.

When it gets dirty...just hose it off.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Dirty Decks

It does sound like you've probably scratched the crap out of the gelcoat by now.

My method of attack is to generally bring some car washing towels with me and I just use my feet on the towel to wipe the deck down a time or two during my outings once the floor gets wet.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Dirty Decks

StarBrite WORKS!!!!

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Dirty Decks

Although I agree that new paint may be your best bet, you might try Woody's Wax first. Available at most boat stores. I haven't used it - very little non-skid on my boat - but my fishing buddy swears by it. It is made for non-skid.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Dirty Decks

I have scrubbed the non-skid fiberglass deck on my boat (just like yours) for years with comet/ajax. Sure it don't shine like the areas that are under the seats and have never seen daylight nor ever been stepped on nor touched in anyway. It is after all a boat deck.
But it is still somewhat glossy.


After I scrub the deck with the Comet/Ajax I let it dry good and then apply a couple quick coats of Mop-n-Glo.

Yea, regular kitchen floor liquid wax in a bottle. Gives the floor a nice sheen and is not super slippery and protects the deck from dirt until you wear it off. And your not paying a higher price for it just because it has the word "boat" on the label.

Probaly no UV protectors in the stuff but it is only in the sun when I am out on the water.

 

[shrew]

Re: Dirty Decks

IMHO, bleach as well as household products like comet, ajax, etc. do more long term harm to gelcoat than good. I've read similar statements around. That being said, it's a non-skid floor not the smooth shiny hull. I would lean towards a marine product specific to the material or location you are cleaning. So I use a boat soap to wash, a marine wax developed for use on gelcoats, and nonskid deck cleaner to clean decks. But that is me, and ultimately it is up to each individual to do what they think is best for their boat and their budget.

BTW- I've found that dirty wet feet seem to be the culprit. I've also found that the black footprints seem to come from people walking barefoot on the dock, particularly with wet feet. I TRY to use shoes or flip flops on the dock and barefeet on the boat. I find I significantly minimize the black foot prints when this is observed. My wife doesn't like to walk on the non-skid barefoot, so we keeps a pair of crocs on the boat just to be used on the boat. It seems to work well.