What do you use to clean your bilge?

[mphy98]

As the title says, what do you use to clean out the nasty stuff that accumulates in there. I have a Starcraft tinny and want to get this thing ship shape.

Also, what would be a good adhesive for mounting a new bilge pump in there?

Thanks in advance, Bob

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

I usually use bleach first to kill any mold,growth etc.Then rinse and follow up with Dawn dish detergent or Joy for dishes.Cheap and very effective.Charlie

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

As the title says, what do you use to clean out the nasty stuff that accumulates in there. I have a Starcraft tinny and want to get this thing ship shape.

Also, what would be a good adhesive for mounting a new bilge pump in there?

Thanks in advance, Bob

Have you tried simple green? A lot of people use clear silicone to mount bilge pumps. I prefer to make a bracket for that and mount in the lowest spot if I can.

 

[cr2k]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

Purple Power is great too and biodegradable. Same as Castrol Super Clean but 1/2 the price.

 

[crewscontrol]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

A mixture of Purple Power, GUNK, and a pressure washer set on low pressure. Everything comes out squeeky clean.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

Bleach and dish washing liquid.

Don't get your foam wet in that tinny mate.

 

[dingbat]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

You're supposed to clean the bilge?

The one time I've cleaned the bilge in the last 5 years I used Starbrite Super Orange Bilge Cleaner. Poured it in the bilge per the directions and let if in there for a couple of trips. Worked great. The only problem was my craving for a "screwdriver" for the next week and a half.

Purple power is a great degreaser, but I'm not keen on soaking my pumps and wiring in a product that says not to use in contact with aluminum, copper or galvanize.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

Dish soap or one of the bio friendly cleaners and a couple of bags of crushed ice. Yes, crushed ice. Pour in the cleaner, add the ice and go for a very twisty turny ride like you were pulling a tube or better yet do it when you are pulling a tube. The ice acts like a scrubber and when it is all melted the all you do is drain in a bio safe place.

 

[Ahab1812]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

I use Oil Gone Easy S-200. Works nice, I just pour it in and it eats up the oil without ruining the bilge pump. Also gets rid of the smell right away if there is fuel or oil in there. I hate cleaning up oil and this product is a pour and forget solution.

 

[beattypants]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

Simple green works great, and since its made from animal fats, its enviromentally safe

 

[rallyart]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

I use Starbrite bilge cleaner also. It's easy and effective.
For an adhesive in your application you should look at a polyurethane product. It will handle the vibration, water, and varied surfaces well. Abrade the surfaces slightly first and wipe with alcohol before applying the glue. Epoxy is too rigid but is strong. Silicone does not have enough adhesive strength.

 

[sasto]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

I use Pine Sol, it leaves a painted bilge spot free. I have never used any bleach, nor will I.

 

[Sodakrep]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

This is a good topic. Thanks for the ideas. I have had the boat for 3 years and had never thought about cleaning the bilge. It's now added to the list!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

bleach is a corrosive and doesn't play well with aluminum (such as fuel tanks) so be judicious about its use and rinsing it all out.

 

[RGrew176]

Re: What do you use to clean your bilge?

I start out with Dawn dishsoap and hot water. After step one is complete I follow up with Simple Green. Works every time.