Cleaning the topside

Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025
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I bought my boat last fall and only did a quick cleaning of the topside. The boat had been on the hard for six years prior to my purchase so while it is in great shape I am sure that it hasn’t been kept up on the cleaning front. The yard was supposed to clean and wax however the work wasn’t done.

Does anyone have a favorite cleaner, wax or stain remover. From all that I read it is a two or three step process and I would really like to protect her from UV etc…

Thanks - Eric

30U 280
Elle

2

You are probably dealing with gelcoat but it is worth verifying that before you attack with cut polish and wax. These are getting to be old boats and often we don’t know the history. I found out (after cut polishing and waxing) that mine was in fact painted with Awlgrip in 2000. In my case I was lucky and didn’t polish through the paint but it could have been a very expensive oversight. I’m now applying Awlgrip sealer, not wax.

Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.

3

Eric

I use Simple Green for a deck wash. One Cup in a gallon of water works well for me. I also use it in the cabin for general cleaning in a spray bottle. One or two ounces in a quart spray bottle. I buy it by the gallon and it lasts a few seasons.

4

I have had good luck with ZEP products, specifically the Heavy Duty Citrus Degreaser and the Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover. 1 cup of each per gallon of water, preferably hot water if you can get it. The Mildew cleaner has bleach in it so it is not the most environmentally friendly, but it does work.

Both of these products are available at Lowes and perhaps hardware stores.

Barry Clark
NS354 #71, Swan’s Wing
Urbanna, VA

5

I simply power wash my decks. Some people are concerned with doing that due to getting water intrusion in fittings. All of mine have been properly refitted and is not a concern.

Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

6

Eric,
Yes, you want to be sure that it is the original gelcoat on the hull, and not painted with something else such as Awlgrip.

For gelcoat, l have used “3M Marine Cleaner & Wax For Lightly Oxidized Fibreglass Surfaces”. It is easy to use, and good at removing scuff marks and stains as well as oxidation. Use it on the cabin top sides and cockpit, and hull if not painted. Probably not good for non-skid.

I also use a home electric pressure washer (1700 PSI) to clean deck, with the spray set wide and holding about 8" above deck so as not to do any damage.

Don

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+1 on the 3M product Don suggested. Be sure to use an actual wax like Collinite Fleetwax after polishing to help the shine to endure.

On non-skid I’ve had great success with Star Brite Non-Skid Cleaner & Protectant and then finish it with the Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Wax to keep the dirt from getting absorbed again. Seems I can do this 2x a season and just using Awlgrip Awlwash for regular cleanings after a sail. My 30U looks pretty spiffy for a 34 year-old.

Bob Gehrman
NS30U #396 “Quickbeam”
Baltimore, Maryland

8

There is lots on info on the web but I think it boils down to two approaches

  1. We wax the boat twice a year. I use Collinte Fibreglass cleaner and Collinte Fleet wax. I find it lasts the whole summer. But I am a wax nut so I clean and wax spring and fall.

https://www.collinite.com/product/920-885/

I have some 3M wax/cleaner and well as 3M wax. They are excellent products as well. Since we have some the wax is used inside the cabin. I find the 3M cleaner will easily remove exhaust marks. But overall I prefer Collinite.

I have found that I can more easily clean and wax the hull from the dinghy vs a ladder on the hard. No kidding, half hour and I am done no more up down ladders, dropping bucket off the ladder.

I have Alex Seal paint so I do not need to aggressively clean the hull. Boat soap and water. Boat soap, I buy the cheapest car wash soap I can find. II apply about 3 feet of wax, then another 3 feet, go back polish, apply 3 feet go back and polish the 2rd 3 feet and so on.

Deck I do all the smooth gel-coat with Collinte Cleaner and Fleetwax. Takes a full morning.

Anti Skid, I clean with car wash soap. I have used a product called Woody Wax. Works well but must be used exactly as directed. It also does a nice job on the stanchions.

  1. Sometimes the gel-coat is too far gone to simply use cleaners. In those cases you need a power driven polisher and the 3M “Perfect It” products.
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Thanks for all the help - much better than the internet no bias - or at least the bias isnt to sell product but to help a fellow boater

10

I have also followed the advice given here:

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/tips-for-a-great-buff-wax.117266/

It lasted well and I agree that Collinite Fleet Wax is an excellent product.

Peter Moodie
Nonsuch 30U Catalyst #366
Sidney, BC/Winnipeg, MB