DaySailer.org Forum

I made a small discovery that I thought I would share. It is fall here in MN, and it's time to haul the boats and prep for storage.

I start with a thorough cleaning - in and out. Last spring I had my DS1 bottom painted, so the bottom cleaned with just the garden hose. As usual, the water line was dirty - covered with that weird mix of algae, oil, and associated filth. I started scrubbing witha scrub brush, but that didn't work. A sponge was useless. On a whim I tried 000 steel wool in a Dawn detergent solution, and that did the trick. the 000 is very fine and did not scratch.

After the scrubbing with the steel wool, and rinsing, I polished the boat with polishing compound using a power buffer, then applied a coat of marine wax. THe boat looks great.

Be careful using steel wool, it can leave pieces of itself lodged in any nooks and crannies. The steel wool then rusts and can leave stains. I prefer to use a scotchbright pad, should work.

I tried Scotchbrite and foudn the 000 steel wool worked better. Note that I followed that up with polishing compound (which contains no wax) and buffed that off. I think the polishing would remove any fines from the steel wool.

All this talk about hauling out for fall - you guys are depressing me.

Sean
Don't worry too much, we sail until the first of November here. You could probably go longer since you are south of us.

Hey Kids,

The forecast here in Sudbury, Ontario (Canada) is for a high of 2 degrees (Celsius)....about 35 or 36 F. with a chance of flurries..... and my boat's still in the water. Until the lake gets really hard, keep the faith!

Marv

OK Marv - you've got me. That does sound more rigorous than our puny little frost warning here in Southern Ohio!!

Here in Victoria BC, the Bermuda of Canada, we're all whining because it's 57 degrees today. This weekend's sail will be cooler than last weekend for sure, but it's still an enjoyable day. Just no swimming at the island picnic stop.