Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

[bear_69cuda]

Hey Gang,

Been doing some searches in previous posts regarding removing hard water spots/marks from the hull and outboard. I wipe the boat after each use, but still end up with spots/marks that show up after it's all dry... Not a big deal, but even after washing with soap, they still seem to linger. I assume is calcium from the lakes (midwest and lots of hard water), and maybe adding vinegar (acetic acid) may help dissolve the marks? Or can anyone suggest a good product that will help me out. I'd like to remove any build-up before I wax and store for the winter.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

CLR, but use it sparingly. DON'T put it on any "home painted" surface and certainly not on the decals or stickers on your boat. Then wax wax wax afterwards.

It should not harm a factory baked enamel finish on an OB or I/O outdrive, nor a polyester fiberglass gel coat.

If you want to be anal and not get the spots in the first place, use Mequires Quick Detail spray after each time in the water.

 

[642mx]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

I spray my whole boat down with vinegar and water before wiping it down. (75% white vinegar and 25% water). It takes the water spots and scum line off with ease. I follow up with a quick coat of Yacht Brite Serious Shine (spray wax) and I'm done.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

i use this this stuff...

http://www.duckyproducts.com/p5.php

i've tried various things and so far, this beats them all...

here's how it turns out...

every surface in these photos was pretty bad (specially the chrome parts) with water spots for 3+ weeks of use w/o any cleaning (i was being a slacker)..

first was a wash
second was the ducky water spot remover
third was one coat of wax..

edit. these are pics of my '75 nineteen. transom center stern rub rail, transom starboard side rub rail, and aft starboard cleat looking aft.

 

[bruce40]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

+1 for vinegar and water. I use 50/50 mix with hot water and a shot of dish soap. Works great for those water stains on the outboard engine cover.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Well, here I though I was all smart and stuff, I found out vinegar worked pretty well a couple weeks ago and thought I ws on to somehting but it seems my secret is out.

I used it full strength and it worked really well.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Thanks everyone for confirmation, and recommendations...

I think I'll try the vinegar and water... Sounds like a logical cheap solution...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

I think I'll try the vinegar and water... Sounds like a logical cheap solution...

i hope it works for ya.
i have tried it too. imho, it don't work as well as the ducky stuff. at least i didn't think so. i sure don't wanna spend the money either. but imho, there is that much difference between the two in that the ducky works that much better. i'll spend the money for the less labor. + the ducky has very little smell to it.

good luck with your project..

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Brutha ziggy,

Ya sold me dude...

I ordered some, and I'll A/B Ducky against vinegar and post results for everyone..

Peace out!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Snow Bowl toilet cleaner

Peace..

YD.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Water spots!?! You lake boaters have way too much time on your hands...

 

[JimS123]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

I've heard that oil and vinegar works well too. But I boat on the St. Lawrence River, and up here we all use "Thousand Islands".

 

[JimS123]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

Water spots!?! You lake boaters have way too much time on your hands...

What you talkin bout Willis? It aint cool if your boat don't shine!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

I've heard that oil and vinegar works well too. But I boat on the St. Lawrence River, and up here we all use "Thousand Islands".

<groan>

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

I havnt tried this , but a little light bulb just went off in my head...[ Yes a small light bulb-like a dash board light] If its still wet, like you just pulled out [the boat]and put on trailer, Spraying a mix of vinagar and some of that stuff you put in the dishwasher to keep dishes from spotting.. What is it . Jet Dry or sumtn like that ?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Removing water spots/marks from hull and OB

What you talkin bout Willis? It aint cool if your boat don't shine!

LOL. Just ribbing, Jim. It's something I can't imagine even attempting to keep up with.

Be thankful you don't have to slip 'the queen', and do it in salt. Yer head would explode