BajaNomad - How to clean rust off the boat

How to clean rust off the boat

dtbushpilot - 11-11-2012 at 01:37 PM

I'm looking for something to clean rust stains off the gelcoat on my boat. I have a few places that stains appear even though the offending mount/screw/etc. is stainless steel. I have a jar of some light blue colored jell type paste that the guy at West Marine said was the answer but I'm not having much luck with it. I don't want to use something that will damage the gelcoat. Any suggestions would be welcome.......dt

Timo1 - 11-11-2012 at 01:42 PM

WD-40

SBSRF - 11-11-2012 at 01:46 PM

Bright Boy......good stuff!!!

CaboMagic - 11-11-2012 at 02:17 PM

FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover) stain absorbing gel that is ideal for removing oil, rust, exhaust, waterline and transom stains. It can also be used anywhere else fiberglass stains.

16 oz around USD $10

edited to say if this is what you are using, yours may be past shelf life.

[Edited on 11-11-2012 by CaboMagic]

Islandbuilder - 11-11-2012 at 02:58 PM

I use Ospho on rusting fasteners on our boat. Not sure how it affects gelcoat. It will dull gloss paint if you let it sit, but if you spray or brush it on, wait 10 minutes and then wash it off it doesn't seem to hurt anything.
I put it in a small spray bottle, and mist it on the bleeders and just leave it.
15 minutes later the boat looks like it just got a fresh coat of paint.

Naval Jelly is supposed to do the same thing, but it's never worked for me.

[Edited on 11-11-2012 by Islandbuilder]

Cypress - 11-11-2012 at 03:42 PM

Regular window washing soap will work. Just wash the stains off before they get sun-baked and dried.

Cypress - 11-11-2012 at 04:00 PM

Sand blasting works real well!

Wiles - 11-11-2012 at 05:09 PM

Ospho.

motoged - 11-11-2012 at 06:33 PM

Dave,
Here are some products not yet suggested:

DSTBUSHPILOT !!

captkw - 11-11-2012 at 07:49 PM

Hola,,worst marine and other chandery sell a product made by the boeing corp. yep that boeing corp !! and I find that it works rather well on gelcoat...and In marine apps. 316 or 320 SS is not stainless !! cant think 0f the name right this second !! but If you cant find It U2u me monday late afternoon and I find for ya !! K&T :cool:

PS and on dashes after the boeing stuff have also had good luck with..................BRASSO..but remember there is more than 1 type of jell coat so try in hidden place first !! have to say that to keep the lawlers at bay !!!!

[Edited on 11-12-2012 by captkw]

comitan - 11-11-2012 at 08:10 PM

copper wool

Islandbuilder - 11-11-2012 at 08:40 PM

Capt is thinking of Boeshield.

no..boe shield is a lube !!!

captkw - 11-11-2012 at 08:48 PM

ask around at antonio's in ensanada !! they make a GREAT russ remover (watch out catavina) LOL... its a small bottle & seems to work good... Its made by boeing and is a great rust remover !! have only found it a few times and will reportback...after I go look at a van broken down on the side of the road that some guy is listing on craigslist as a smoking deal !!! Maybe I should see doc for Meds !! :lol:

[Edited on 11-12-2012 by captkw]

Islandbuilder - 11-11-2012 at 09:11 PM

sorry Capt, no idea about Boeing's rust remover???
Is the "smoking deal" still burning?

LOL...you got me LOL............

captkw - 11-11-2012 at 09:25 PM

dtbushpilot - 11-11-2012 at 10:27 PM

cap, please get me the name of the rust remover and an ounce of what you've been smokin....and someone to rub out the rust stains.....

msteve1014 - 11-12-2012 at 07:12 AM

I have had good results with flitz. It will not harm the gelcoat, and is a good topcoat/polish.

Reeljob - 11-12-2012 at 07:30 AM

Remember, it is stainLESS, not stainPROOF

BajaBruno - 11-12-2012 at 04:11 PM

Often the rust is caused by using a carbon steel screwdriver (which nearly all of them are) to install the SS screws. It leaves traces of rustable metal which then stains your gelcoat.

boe4fun - 11-12-2012 at 08:01 PM

Please keep my surname out of this thread! :spingrin:

Islandbuilder - 11-12-2012 at 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by boe4fun
Please keep my surname out of this thread! :spingrin:

It would help advance this conversation if you told the Captain the name of your rust removing product :saint:

dtbushpilot

captkw - 11-12-2012 at 09:08 PM

OK,,its called "rust free" and made by/for boeing corp... and have used on gel coat with good results....hope that helps !! Funny thing over the years have had to explain to boat owners about rust,galvanic corrosion and a host of things not known to the average joe !! most guys assume about boats.......K&T :cool:

.....PS the word electrolysis is often used around boats,,But that is not the case !! very,very seldom do I see electrolysis on boats !!!! PPS Forgot 1 more./..Crevice corrosion !! and that is not raw fish cooked wth lime juice !!!...................

[Edited on 11-13-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-13-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-14-2012 by captkw]

vseasport - 11-13-2012 at 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBruno
Often the rust is caused by using a carbon steel screwdriver (which nearly all of them are) to install the SS screws. It leaves traces of rustable metal which then stains your gelcoat.

Now that is the first intelligent comment I have read in this thread.

Dave, FSR is the bomb on gel coat. Next time I see you I'll explain.

captkw - 11-13-2012 at 06:58 PM

Now that is the first intelligent comment I have read in this thread. ................................................................................ where do you find This FSR ?? always looking to help boat owners out with info !! myself like a bit of stain !! blood on the deck= good fishing.."tight lines"...K&T :cool:

comitan - 11-13-2012 at 07:20 PM

http://davisnet.com/marine/products/list_marine.asp?grp=m17-...

Comiton

captkw - 11-13-2012 at 07:32 PM

Thanks,,, I'm sure I've seen that somewhere !! BTW did you say you used to have a boat in the Deltas ?? if yes ,,where ?? We must have met at one of "club crucios" partys !! If you knew "mama marta" I sure we have met .....K&T :cool Or Mac & Mary Shoyer....AKA ..marina de la Paz

[Edited on 11-14-2012 by captkw]

4baja - 11-16-2012 at 07:49 AM

heres a little secret i got from a fellow commercial fisherman. its called , the works and its a toilet bowl cleaner. put it in a spray bottle and spray it on for 30 seconds and then wipe off. it works like magic and best of all its at the dollar store for 1 buck. it does not hurt the gel coat.