Hull Cleaner

[Chip S]

I'm going to be cleaning my hull with West Marine Instant Hull cleaner (oxalic acid solution) before launching. I've read that some people use a brush to apply it, while others use a spray bottle. Also, some people use a garden hose to wash it off while others use a pressure washer. What is the recommended procedure to apply and wash off the hull cleaner?

 

[Stee6043]

Silly question...but what does the product itself recommend?

 

[sbw1]

I would certainly avoid using a pressure washer above the water line. The thru hulls and decals will hold up better without being hit with concentrated water pressure. I always used cheap products to clean scum off boats. Tidy Bowl and muriatic acid work better than the boat store products and are geneu cheaper. Marinas use HCL (muriatic acid) sold in plastic half gallon jugs because it is cheap and works well. A garden hose is fine for rinsing. I've used it for years. Just keep in mind that it will make holes in your clothes if you are not careful. It's hard on trailers and concrete also if not rinsed down well.

 

[atrick]

You can buy oxalic acid over the internet and mix it up to what ever strenght you need. I t comes from Florida Pharmaceuticals, 15 lb bag for $20 last time I got some. Just do a goggle search, spray it on with a spray bottle and pressure wash off, if some spots remain spray that area again. Been using pressure washer to clean bottom of both my boats for last 20 years and never had decals come off. If your boat is on a trailer make sure you rinse it off good.I mix mine to 4 oz to a quart of warm water and by time I get pressure washer running algea and other growth is just running off.