Keeping the white boat clean

[stuendan]

Noticed on last outing that the outboard fuel line surface is somehow breaking down (UV?) and that any contact with it (feet on boarding etc) tends to leave a black mark which is then transfered to any and all surfaces that I then come in contact with. After becoming aware of where it was coming from I have wiped the line clean but suspect it will build up again between trips. I guess I could sleeve it with that black woven nylon expandable stuff, or should I replace the line (boat 3 yrs old).

The other problem I have is the black stripe where the non slip surface is, adjacent to the forward skylights. I can cut n polish the smooth areas on sides of boat, but how do I do this on the non slip?

The non slip all over the boat also tends to trap dust and dirt and stains, and I seem to spend a lot of time with scrubbing brushes and household creamy cleanser attemping to get it presentable. Anyone clues here guys - perhaps some sort of silicon coating?

Any input would be appreciated, thanks guys

[Russ]

My fuel line is black and hasn't shown any problems. I bought a spare just in case. Cheap insurance.

[Norca]

My fuel-hose do the same thing, I got some conduit used to bundle together electrical wires
It snap right around the hose and that solves the pronlem.
As long as there is no craks in Your hose it should be just fine.

[kadet]

For the non-slip area I use a stiff scrubbing brush dipped in cut and polish then buff off with a lambs wool pad. Seems to work for awhile

I about to try this stuff http://www.fw1.com.au after a door to door salesman demonstrated it on the "racoon stripe" near the windows. Seemed to bring it up nice but not sure how it's longevity will be. Works out at about the same price as good boat wax and is a lot easier to apply.

[jstyers]

If your fuel lines are showing signs of age on the outside it might be time to worry about the inside. Mine deteriorated and sent debris throughout the fuel system. Very cheap to replace the whole lot at once. I sure wish the PO had done that in my case. I've had to replace a very expensive fuel pump and am still fighting motor problems due to this issue. My boat sat on a lift for 5 years without being used before I bought it, I'm still trying to get through all the oxidation, haven't even started to deal with the non-skid areas.

[Russ]

If your fuel lines are showing signs of age on the outside it might be time to worry about the inside. Mine deteriorated and sent debris throughout the fuel system. Very cheap to replace the whole lot at once. I sure wish the PO had done that in my case. I've had to replace a very expensive fuel pump and am still fighting motor problems due to this issue.

I was thinking the same thing. What's on the inside. Just replace the fuel line.

Black deck...some have used products on it. I wax the areas I don't step on and leave the other looking ugly. One day I may just paint them out.

[Scottie]

I use Starbrite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner on mine with a soft scrub brush. Works great and is easy to do.

[NiceAft]

Stuendan,

My intended post concerning the fuel line has already been posted by others. Replace the line. The potential engine problem will be expensive to repair.

As to the black, non skid areas, I leave them alone. I don't care if they are not quite as deep a black as the stripes. I want them as non-slip as possible.

Years ago, actually decades ago, I washed and waxed the Phantom Sailboat I had purchased the year before. It was beautiful, still is. The first time I took that boat out during the second season of ownership, I slid right off while making a tack That ungracefull entrance into the lake has never been forgotten. I don't make slippery, areas which you want to be non slip. In the Phantom, I was only inches above the water.

Ray

[Russ]

Stuendan,

My intended post concerning the fuel line has already been posted by others. Replace the line. The potential engine problem will be expensive to repair.

As to the black, non skid areas, I leave them alone. I don't care if they are not quite as deep a black as the stripes. I want them as non-slip as possible.

Years ago, actually decades ago, I washed and waxed the Phantom Sailboat I had purchased the year before. It was beautiful, still is. The first time I took that boat out during the second season of ownership, I slid right off while making a tack That ungracefull entrance into the lake has never been forgotten. I don't make slippery, areas which you want to be non slip. In the Phantom, I was only inches above the water.

Ray

*Smile*

Once again Ray, you said it so well with so few words. Couldn't agree more.

--Russ