Andrew Pace
Keeping a boat in good condition requires regular maintenance and cleaning. One common issue boat owners face is the growth of algae on the hull, which can be challenging to remove, especially when dried. Various methods and products are available to clean algae off a fiberglass boat, including pressure washing, scrubbing, and using chemical cleaners. The chosen method depends on the severity of the growth and the owner's preference for manual or chemical cleaning.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Move the boat | Away from the water's edge to avoid polluting the water |
| Remove algae | Use a pressure washer, scrub brush, or bleach solution |
| Remove barnacles | Use a scrub brush or scraper made from hardwood or stiff plastic |
| Remove stains | Use Algae Strip, Waterline Stain Remover, or Boat Scrub |
| Protect hull | Apply VS721 Bottom Coat and Premium Boat Shine |
| Alternative methods | Muriatic acid or Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner |
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![[1 Galllon] Instant Boat Hull Cleaner - Made in USA - Powerful Dual Acid Formula Easily Removes Scum Lines, Rust Stains, Hard Waterlines, & More from Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Painted Boat Surfaces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zvQLQ7Q3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Use a pressure washer to remove soft growth
Using a pressure washer is an effective way to remove soft growth, such as algae, from a fibreglass boat. It is a good option for dealing with particularly dirty areas. Before you start, it is important to put away any loose items that may be damaged by the high-pressure water. Remove cushions, buckets, and other removable equipment, and close any windows, hatches, and portholes.
When using a pressure washer, it is crucial to be careful. Avoid using the most pinpoint-focused nozzle settings, and keep the nozzle at least 4-6 inches away from the hull. A pressure washer with a psi of around 1000-1500 is recommended, and a 15-20 degree fan setting should be used. If your pressure washer is more powerful, be extra cautious to avoid damage to the gel coat.
It is also recommended to use a soap injector with your pressure washer. A mixture of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and Lysol toilet bowl cleaner can be effective for removing organic matter, but it is important to test it on a small area first, as it may stain the gel coat. Alternatively, a product like Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner can be applied before pressure washing.
After pressure washing, it is a good idea to wax the surface to seal small pores and prevent the boat from getting dirty again.
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Apply Algae Strip to the hull
To apply Algae Strip to the hull of your fiberglass boat, start by moving the boat and trailer away from the water's edge to avoid polluting the water. Then, use a scrub brush or pressure washer to remove any loose growth, such as soft algae, slime, or barnacles, from the hull.
Next, apply the Algae Strip to the hull, starting at the keel and working your way up to the waterline. Use a chemically resistant paint roller to apply the product evenly and efficiently. Make sure to cover all the algae, crustaceans, and stains on the hull. If there is a heavy build-up of algae, you may need to use a nylon bristle scrub brush for light scrubbing.
Let the Algae Strip sit on the hull for 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, the active ingredients in the formula will work to remove the algae and other growth. After the waiting period, rinse the hull thoroughly with water to remove the product and the loosened algae. If needed, repeat the process until the hull is clean and free of algae.
Algae Strip is a strong acid-based cleaner that is designed to remove algae, barnacles, and zebra mussels from fiberglass boats. It is considered environmentally friendly as it quickly biodegrades when it comes into contact with water. Additionally, it does not cause damage to fiberglass and helps protect the hull against osmosis blisters.
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Remove barnacles with a scrub brush
Removing barnacles from a fiberglass boat can be a strenuous and time-consuming task. The longer you wait, the more time barnacles will have to grow and multiply, increasing the risk of damaging the hull while removing them. If the hull has only a few barnacles or patches of very small barnacles, it's time to get scrubbing.
Firstly, move the boat and trailer away from the water's edge to avoid polluting the water. Use a scrub brush to knock off the barnacles. If they are mature and well-attached, you may have to scrape them off with a scraper. Use a hard plastic or wooden scraper that is stiff enough to remove the barnacles without scratching the fiberglass.
Once the majority of the barnacles have been removed, use a scrub brush to remove any remaining adhesive material (barnacle rings). You may have to repeat this process several times until all the barnacles are removed.
After scrubbing and scraping, use a garden hose to rinse the boat clean. If deep stains remain, try a waterline stain remover. Apply the chemical to the stains, wait 20-30 minutes, and then rinse off with water. If there are still scuff marks, rust stains, or other stains, use boat scrub and a cloth to rub out the remaining marks.
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Use bleach to clean algae
Bleach can be used to clean algae off a boat's fiberglass hull, but it should only be used as a last resort. Bleach is a very harsh chemical that will remove any protective coating and UV protection from the fiberglass. It will also remove paint from the deck and weaken the thread material in the upholstery, causing the colour to fade over time.
If you do decide to use bleach, make sure it is diluted and wear gloves. You can use a 50:50 mix of Clorox Bleach and water, sprayed onto the algae and left for 10 minutes. You can also add car soap or dish soap to the solution. After using bleach, you will need to wax the boat, as it will leave the surface dull and hard to clean.
There are other methods to clean algae off a fiberglass boat. One option is to use a pressure washer or scrub brush to knock off the soft growth, followed by an algae-removing product. Another option is to use a gel spray formula, such as STAR BRITE Instant Hull Cleaner, which can be sprayed on and then lightly brushed with a soft-bristle plastic brush.
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Use a plastic putty knife to remove heavy crud
When removing algae from a fiberglass boat, it is important to first move the boat away from the water to avoid polluting it. Then, use a pressure washer or scrub brush to knock off any soft growth, such as algae or slime.
If you are dealing with heavy crud, a plastic putty knife may be necessary to remove it without damaging the gel coat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a plastic putty knife effectively:
- Start by wetting the area around the heavy crud with water. This will help to loosen it and make it easier to remove.
- Place the plastic putty knife under the crud and apply pressure while twisting the knife. This will help to further loosen the crud and any attached organisms, such as barnacles.
- Continue to work the plastic putty knife around the affected area, applying pressure and twisting as needed. Be careful not to scratch the fiberglass.
- Once the heavy crud has been removed, use a scrub brush or soft-bristle plastic brush to clean the area. You can also use a product like Star Brite Ez-On Ez-Off Cleaner, which can be applied with a spray bottle, to help loosen any remaining crud or stains.
- Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining residue.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a plastic putty knife to remove heavy crud from your fiberglass boat without causing any damage.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a 50/50 mix of bleach and water, or a commercial product such as Algae Strip, Waterline Stain Remover, or Algex.
You can use a pump-up garden sprayer to apply the solution, let it soak for five minutes, then hose it off.
Start by moving your boat away from the water's edge to avoid polluting the water. Then, use a pressure washer or scrub brush to remove any soft growth. Apply Algae Strip to the hull, starting at the keel and working up to the waterline. Wait 20-30 minutes, then use a scrub brush to knock off any remaining algae or barnacles.
If the barnacles are mature and well-attached, you may need to use a scraper made from hard wood or stiff plastic to remove them without scratching the fiberglass.
To protect your boat from algae and future fouling, apply two coats of VS721 Bottom Coat below the waterline and Premium Boat Shine to the hull.
