Water stains

**David** · 10-31-2017, 07:38 PM

Our lake has a lot of limestone, so I expect the water stains on my J Craft are calcium.

What is the best way to clean these off? It's probably a task for spring, but I can think now.

**XstreamVking** · 11-01-2017, 07:22 AM

What color are the hull stains? If white, it is just calcium and some CLR cleaner should remove them. A polishing job and wax coat would reseal the gell and help for easier removal next year.

**David** · 11-01-2017, 07:46 PM

Is CLR safe for gelcoat?

thanks

**RIVERRUMMER 70** · 11-02-2017, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by David

Is CLR safe for gelcoat?

thanks

Yep I've used it for years also works on all your external hardware like jackplate, mid and cowl.
Basicly anything coated with hard water calcium.
Key is to rinse well and rewax polish it all.
Really stubborn hard water buildup or worse can be cleaned
With muriatic acid ....mix 50/50 water acid and wipe her down
Again rinse and wax.

**loop** · 11-03-2017, 09:25 AM

a little more extreme than your project but this may ease your concerns about acid on gelcoat.
muriatic acid works and is cheap
this boat spent 6 months sitting in brackish water
I used it full strength and no harm to the gelcoat.
sprayed it on DRY hull (thats important because water will immediately dilute the acid and render it useless),let it work about 10 min,lightly scrape off loose stuff, rinse,dry with a leaf blower and repeat as necessary. Very little effort required.
just keep the acid off anything aluminum,galvanized or your driveway. Cleans stainless nicely too
took several hours but was well worth it

**idvette** · 11-03-2017, 04:24 PM

I worked in a hardware store years ago and noticed boat hull cleaner had muriatic acid in it. So I avoided the $10/250 ml for hull cleaner and started buying the straight acid, that's all I've ever used since. Much cheaper and you can mix at your own strength. Always end with a good rince though