Discoloration of white hull

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KahunaDon

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16' Hobie Cat with white hull & no bottom paint. Boat saw a bit more time in the water (fresh) than originally intended. Even after a pressure wash the hull still has a dirty tan color. What would be a good product to bring back the original white color?
 
Thanks Mike. A couple follow-up questions about using acid. How long should we keep the acid on the hull? Will it start to harm it if we leave it on too long? Do we need to follow that up with some type of neutralizer?

Much appreciated!
 
Muratic acid is pretty caustic. Interlux makes a very good stain remover that is paint and finish safe. It does not contain any harsh, or environmentally unsafe chemicals or acids.
 
Mary-Kate On/Off cleaner...contains muriatic acid so be careful. Do not get into your eyes! Use a pump garden sprayer with a hot water mix...spray on, let sit for about five minutes...rinse off. Does a really nice job.
 
starBrite hull cleaner..Boater's World and BoatUS both have it.. wipe it on and hose it off in a minute or two... no scrubbing needed.... wear protective gloves..... very good product.
 
Iron Out also works well. Mix some in a spray bottle and spray a mist on the affected area. It generally removes the stain immediately but I let it sit a few minutes before rinsing well with a hose.
 
Tidy Bowl or any similar toilet bowl cleaner will remove a scum line.
 
If you have a galvanized trailer you had better take care if you use acid.

The acid eats the galvanized coating. Make sure you keep the trailer rinsed and do no let the acid sit on it.

Been there done that many many years ago.

Jonathan
 
Oxalic Acid. This is the ingredient in most acid based hull cleaners. Does a good job on rust and cedar stains as well.

Put Oxalic Acid and Water solution/slurry on with one of those things with a scrubby pad on one side and handle on the other. Rub it on, let it sit a minute or two and wash off with water.
 
Oxalic Acid is also my choice. It is sold as StarBright and other brands, but you could save yourself alot of money by purchasing it in crystaline form and adding your own water. It is the best thing for rust stains and will turn that dull yellow to bright white instantly. But be careful. It is caustic.
 
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