Outdrive Cleaning Help

[rad1026]

I just had my boat in the water for nine days at lake powell. What a great time! I was able to get all the water spots off my hull as I wiped it down almost every day. When I pulled my boat out however my outdrive is covered with white water deposits that I can't get off. The funny thing is it is only the upper unit. The lower unit does not seem to get any deposits at all. I keep a good coat of wax on my outdrive and a weekend at the lake is usually an easy clean up, but this stuff just won't come off. I have tried vinegar, Fantastik, Lime Away got some of it but not all. I don't want to go to rubbing compound if I don't have to. Does anyone have any tricks or superior products that really do the job? I have searched but have not found anything about cleaning the outdrive. Thanks for the help.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Outdrive Cleaning Help

You said you did use vinegar - how long did you let it sit? 30 minutes is about the norm using white vinegar. The most probable reason that only your upper part of your drive is covered is due to the heat that builds up in the gear box, plus the sun. With the lower drive in the cooler water it doesn't have a chance to get as hot as the top. Mineral deposits can be a real pain to remove, they will at times even etch glass if left untreated. Try the 30 minute soak and let us know how it worked - or not worked. On an application idea get a five gallon bucket and place it under the drive. Pour in your white vinegar. Using a big ole' sponge just keep sponging it on, into the bucket it goes, sponge it back onto the drive. If nothing else you'll smell like the start of a decent salad dressing !

 

[rad1026]

Re: Outdrive Cleaning Help

I didn't let the vinegar soak at all. I will give that a shot tonight and get back with you, thanks for the response.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Outdrive Cleaning Help

If that doesn't work try hull cleaner.

 

[QC]

Re: Outdrive Cleaning Help

Lime Away. Be careful and rinse thoroughly after, but you will be amazed I have used it a lot and there is no damage to paint or metallic surfaces unless you walk away and leave it on 100%. That will stain Stainless, don't ask how I know this

 

[BillII]

Re: Outdrive Cleaning Help

I have to admit I am one of those who sit back and read but have to answer this post because I had the same problem with my boat especially on the lower unit. My brother is a car body repair person and he said do not use that kitchen stuff on your boat as it will surely damage your clear coat and fast. My Ranger cost over 35k and I sure don't want to take any chances. I read about a guy that advertises on another site his name is Skeeter. He sells some stuff called Boat Restore and Wonderfoam. I am not a person to jump at every post I see about a product but this product has thread after thread of very positive posts on walleye central. So, long story short I bought some. Wonderfoam takes off the grim, waterspots and mineral deposits like nothing I have ever seen. I applied the restore which is a cleaner wax after I got the boat and motor clean and the boat looks new. I do put the restore on about every 3erd time out of the water but both products take no effort at all to use. Easiest clean up I have ever seen. Not sure if I can post the site I ordered it from but the mod delete it if they want. www.larsensales.com Good luck. Bill