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Top Deck Cleaning

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KiteKraemer
Navigator

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191 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/25/2008 : 21:23:05

My 1979 Baby needs a top deck cleaning / treatment. You know the score... chalky top, slightly yellowing. What is the best treatment for this? I was able to get her out a powerwash the hull, but now it's topside cleaning...My first thought was maguires cleaning wax, but that seems abrasive. Abrasive is what to avoid right?

Unicorn
78•C25•SK
Hood River, Oregon
http://www.eclipsefilms.com/unicorn.jpg

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Jefffriday
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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2008 : 22:34:42

I use soft scrub with bleach and a med scotch-brite pad. It removes most of the oxidation and stains, I follow with woody wax as it is not slippery. It is made for the non-skid. I compounded the vertical parts and waxed them and the rest of the areas that are now non-skid. Not too bad really, but it depends on how bad of shape yours are in. I am sure others will chime in here with some very good ideas...

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2008 : 07:23:30

I won't tell you what to use on your deck, but I use regular 3M liquid wax on the entire deck and cockpit (with the exception of the cockpit floor). It makes the boat look great, the smooth areas of the deck look like they just popped out of the mold, and somewhat prevents bird crap and other stains from soaking into what might be thirsty gelcoat.

Whatever you use, try this first. On one of the cockpit seatbacks, clean and wax an area the size of a frisbee and see how it looks. I wouldn't go with the cleaner type wax myself, since those types of waxes are a PITA elbow grease-wise. Just use an easy on, easy off type wax.

Years ago before doing the deck waxing thing, my gelcoat looked weathered and drab just like every boat of approximate vintage. Then one day, one of my kids spilled sunsreen on one of the cockpit seatbacks. While casually wiping up the mess with a towel, the area, which was faded, dull, and looked closer to white in color, started to take on a shine and the rich, deep, original color, creme, was brought back to life. It looked so good, I half considered using sunscreen over the entire deck.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2008 : 09:23:18

Kite, FYI the "topsides" is the the part of the hull above the waterline. Topsides and deck are not the same thing.

Once you get the deck in good shape (Softscrub is good) then I suggest Star-Brite deck cleaner for ongoing maintenance. It does a great job of cleaning and leaves a protective, non-slip, coating.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2008 : 12:20:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 Kite, FYI the "topsides" is the the part of the hull above the waterline. Topsides and deck are not the same thing.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I dunno... Not in all contexts... I guess we can make an Association-specific declaration.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2008 : 13:04:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I guess we can make an Association-specific declaration.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

PLEASE! *

*and by the way, make it my definition.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2008 : 18:32:02

Sorry, I ain't got no authority here--I'm a paid member with no voting rights.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 10:40:52

Starbright Deck Cleaner is the best stuff I've ever used. It is not that easy on the lungs if used in enclosed places but it really does work well.

Wet sand with fine sandpaper ( the waterproof kind) to remove oxidation is also good.

I like to brush the hull with 1/2 cup of bleach to a gallon of water and add softscrub as I go but the bleach is hard on anything I might spill it on below.

You should follow up with wax, but I've never found a wax I've liked.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 14:34:15

Today's Long Island NEWSDAY newspaper had an article regarding the fines applicable to water run off from boats of any size. such as in water used to rinse topsides after washing even. Also mentioned permits about to be required on all boats of any size, though it seems obvious that the intent was to contain commercial vessels discharge of ballast water. Mentioned as well fines of up to $ 30,000 per day. Legislators from Ca. and Fla. were agast at the misapplication of legislation designed to control commercial activities.
Unfortunately my scanner is on the fritz, else I'd send a copy of the article here. Perhaps www.Newsday .com may be tapped to exhibit the acticle for those interested.

Val on Calista, # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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KiteKraemer
Navigator

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191 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 15:51:07

Thanks for the input everyone! I have some starbight deck cleaner too. I guess I could use that first, then go over the whole deck with something like 3M liquid wax. My PO says to use West Marine Deck Cleaner-- I don't know what exactly it is, but I'm sure it's $$. I like the sunscreen idea too. thanks for reminding me to do a test patch. I got the hull clean above and below the waterline, I hauled it out last weekend and powerwashed it below and waxed & buffed above. All I need to do is ready the deck!

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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2008 : 07:46:05

I just waxed my hull last weekend with Interlux teflon wax. I'm not sure that's the best stuff out there, but the boat looks way better than before.

But here are my main points: we powerwashed the boat with a cheapie Black and Decker powerwasher from Walmart (which did an amazingly good job, considering the $60 cost) and then cleaned up the remaining black marks with "magic sponges" that work really well. Next weekend, we may get to the deck and cockpit.

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