Ask the Skipper

How to clean inflatable boat? Choosing the right inflatable boat cleaner - part 1.

2011-06-20T14:20:00.012-04:00

Cleaning inflatable boats is easy if you have the right tools and equipment and have a basic understanding of what you are doing.

Cleaning Hypalon and cleaning PVC or Polyurethane fabrics requires the same cleaners and techniques to get great results. Using the wrong inflatable boat cleaners or tools can have disastrous results and sometimes result in destroying the boat. Remember that inflatable boats are more delicate than fiberglass or aluminum boats and the same cleaners and protectors can not be used on both.

In my “Ask the Skipper” blog, I research the best methods of resolving maintenance issues and advise boat owners how to clean inflatable boats and RIBs (Rigid bottomed Inflatable Boat). So often the inquiries come from people that have already damaged their boat and are looking for ways to undo the damage.

The problem is that there is so much misinformation out there, borne of ignorance and desperation. Products never to use for cleaning your inflatable are: solvents, MEK, toluene, acetone, bleach, ammonia, highly alkaline cleaners (anything with a pH greater than11.5), abrasive scrub pads, steel wool. They will weaken, damage and discolor the fabric and attack the adhesives. Soaps and detergents leave a sticky residue (soap scum) which attracts and hold dirt. Soap scum is also food for mold and mildew.

Feedback from boat owners has proven invaluable to Aurora Marine Industries, manufacturers of Aurora Boat Care Products. Identifying problems and coming up with solutions has allowed them to invent the best inflatable boat cleaners and inflatable boat protection products and systems in the world. The cleaners are safe and effective and the protectors last longer, reduce maintenance and keep the boat looking like new. Their specialty products are recommended by major boat manufacturers because it eliminates warranty issues from environmental damage.

New boat owners think that because their boat is brand new that they don’t have to do any maintenance but nothing is further from the truth. Once the manufacturer makes the boat, their job is done. They don’t clean off the lubricants used in the manufacturing process or provide any protection for the tube or fiberglass hull. The lubricants can react with the environment and cause damage to the tube. The results are brown, sticky PVC, chalky, faded Hypalon, mildew and waterline stains, osmosis blisters in the fiberglass hull, barnacles and marine growth on the bottom that is almost impossible to remove without destroying the tube, leaky seams, porous tubes, and more. Most manufacturers have little interest in maintaining boats. Their job is making and selling boats not looking after them.

If you maintain your boat properly and regularly from the day you buy it and invest in the best quality products, it should last you 20 to 30 years and look great during its lifetime, whether it’s made from Hypalon or PVC. You’ll get your investment in quality maintenance products back many times over when you go to sell or trade it. If not, you could be junking it in as little as 2 to 3 years and loose your boating investment. Besides, a clean, shiny inflatable boat is not only a beautiful thing, but a reflection of your personality.

Most inflatable boats and RIBs in North America are used as tenders and are subjected to some pretty tough conditions for these boats. It’s difficult to keep them high, dry and covered and still have them at your beck and call. The first step is to remove all the pollutants, surface damage, stains and scuffs and restore the tube and rigid hull to as close to new as possible. The next step is to apply the best protector that you can, to prevent damage from the elements. The amount and type of protector that you use will be dependant on the way that you plan to use your boat. This is much easier if you start with a new boat.

Zodiac Inflatable Boat Restoration - from $1000 to $16000 in 3 hours

2011-04-14T11:32:00.005-04:00

Check out our latest video! Our customer restored his Zodiac boat with Aurora products, see awesome results he got!

59 Days Until Spring!!

2011-01-20T11:21:00.013-05:00

Can't wait for Spring? Can't wait to launch your boat?

Free Countdown to Spring Timer

Come & download our free countdown timer & watch the days fly by!!

Snowblowers Leading Cause of Finger Amputation!

2010-12-14T09:22:00.018-05:00

Interestingly, snowblowers are a leading cause of finger amputations among consumer products.

A problem with the design of the snowblower is that the snow can clog the discharge chute & build up around the auger; jamming & stalling the motor. This is complicated by the fact that the auger may twist before applying enough resistance to the motor to stop it. When the jam is cleared with a hand, the auger returns to its natural shape, suddenly & with great force, severing fingers & hands; making snowblowers the leading cause of traumatic finger amputations.

Aurora Off Road's newest invention, Slush Buster, helps prevent the attachment of slush & snow on the chute, auger & housing which reduces clogging & jamming. Slush Buster coats the surfaces with a super slippery hydrophobic polymer, VS721, making it difficult for the wet snow to stick. The snowblower operates with greater efficiency & the problem of clogging & jamming is eliminated. An added benefit is that it improves the performance of the snowblower reducing time & effort to clear the snow as well as reducing fuel consumption & wear & tear on the machine.

Municipalities & professional snow removal companies are now coating their snow plow blades with Slush Buster to stop the annoying & time consuming necessity of dislodging & clearing slush & snow that sticks to the blade. Previously, the operator had to stop the truck, lift the plow & allow it to drop onto the pavement to attempt to dislodge the build-up. This constant banging on the pavement is damaging to the equipment & time consuming. When that fails then it's time to get out of the truck & go at the build up with a shovel or pick. With Slush Buster on the plow, the slush & snow just falls off. No stopping, no banging, no shovel & pick & the driver gets home earlier with his plow in one piece.

Slush Buster has been proven effective on snowmobiles where it is used to prevent the attachment of slush, snow & ice on the rails, skid plates & suspension parts. Build up of snow & ice on these machines can add substantial weight & impact negatively on performance, speed & fuel consumption. In addition, if allowed to freeze, the ice can cause expensive damage to the track, clutch, bearings & suspension parts & in some cases even snapping drive axles. There is also the safety issue of snow & ice building up on the rails where riders are dependant for sure footing. If their foot slips, they could very easily lose control of the snowmobile which can result in injury to the operators & damage to the machine.

Snowblower owners have tried various remedies from cooking oil to hair spray to lubricating oils, silicones & PTFE's with limited success. The problem is that the slush & snow rapidly washes away the spray. Slush Buster is applied by rubbing the polymer into the surface with a sponge or rag & allowing it to cure. It binds to the surface & can be lightly buffed to an even more slippery surface for greater performance. This binding process adds durability & life. Slush Buster lasts for weeks rather than minutes.

More information is available at Aurora Off Road.

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) recommends that individuals take the proper precautions to prevent hand related injuries while removing snow this winter. Each year thousands of people suffer maiming or amputations of their fingers or hands due to improper handling of snowblowers.

"Snowblower injuries are usually very serious, often requiring delicate surgery followed by weeks or even months of rehabilitation" said David M. Lichtman, MD of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. "Most snowblower operators aren't aware that the impeller is only 2 inches below the opening of the discharge chute."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, two-thirds of snowblower injuries involves fingers & among consumer products is a leading cause of finger amputations. In a 1999 study, 3,546 injuries were found to be snowblower related accidents but not necessarily product caused. Of those injuries, approximately 3,000 involved hand & fingers, including 283 finger amputations. With proper safety techniques you can stay away from the emergency room.

To prevent hand injuries the ASSH suggests the following safety tips if your snowblower jams.

Turn it OFF!!
NEVER put your hand down the chute or around the blades
Disengage the clutch
Wait 5 seconds after shutting the machine off to allow impeller blades to stop
Beware of the brief recoil of motor & blades that occurs after the machine has been turned off
ALWAYS use a stick or a broom handle to clear impacted snow. Never use your hand
Keep all shields in place. DO NOT REMOVE the safety devices on the machine
Keep hands & feet away from all moving parts
Keep a clear head, concentrate & DO NOT DRINK before using your snowblower

Injury Profile
Average Age: 44 years
Sex: Male
Dominant Hand: 90% of injuries
Amputations of tips of fingers
Middle finger most commonly injured

Common Weather Conditions
Heavy, wet snow
Large snow accumulation
Temperature: 28 °F or greater (-2°C or greater)

Injury Causes
Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine.
Not noticing that the impeller blades are still rotating even though the machine is off.
Operator attempts to clean the clogged exit chute with hands.
Hands connect with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury.

Recommendations:
Snowblowers are safe if used properly.

Source:
National Electronic Injury Surveillance Systems of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data

American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) 2001

Aurora Off Road, division of Aurora Marine Industries Inc http://auroraoffroad.com/

Remove Staining Produced by Spiders & Bird Poo

2010-09-10T13:04:00.001-04:00

Question:

Lisa asked:

I am looking for a guaranteed product to remove staining produced by "spiders" and bird poo.
We have a 40’ Sundancer, and of course, it looks awful.
Which of your products would you recommend working the best!!!!???

Tired of scrubbing….
Lisa

Answer:
The products that you need for the deck of your boat are: Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub and Sure Step.

Wash the deck first with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water. Next deep clean and brighten it by scrubbing with Boat Scrub. Use a deck brush on the non-skid areas and a Marine Scrub Mitt on the smooth parts. Inspect the deck for any remaining stains and take them out with a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. Rinse and let dry. Your decks should be so clean that they will fluoresce.

Now you can apply Sure Step on the entire deck, the non-skid plus the shiny parts, with a sponge or sponge roller. When it dries to a haze, wipe off the haze with a terry towel or jewelers buffing wheel on a portable drill. After 24 hours apply a 2nd coat. The Sure Step will seal the pores to prevent dirt and stains from getting in and put a beautiful easy to maintain shine on the deck. This protective coating will resist the attachment of bird poop and spider droppings and make your decks much easier to keep clean. No more scrubbing. Just wash them with a mop and a weak solution of Boat Clean Plus and water (1:15 or 1:20)

Sure Step is pressure sensitive so although it is very slippery to light weights such as dirt, when you step on the deck, your weight creates pressure and the pressure changes the coefficient of friction and gives you grip. When the decks are wet the traction increases.

Sure Step lasts 3 to 6 months and usually re-application consists of washing with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and re-application of the Sure Step. Coverage of Sure Step is 200 sq. ft. We suggest that you also apply a coat in the fall when you winterize your boat to prevent winter dirt from penetrating into the gelcoat, making spring preparation a whole lot easier.

This should eliminate the scrubbing and give you more time for boating.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Cleaning, Brightening, Protecting Aluminum Horse Trailers

2010-08-10T13:36:00.001-04:00

Question:
Ranee Richards asked:
Can you tell me if Alumetron would work on a horse trailer that has brushed aluminum?
And which product would I purchase to clean the Aluminum and which product to polish it??

Answer:
You can use Boat Clean Plus to clean the trailer. It is a water based, water activated, free rinsing, concentrated cleaner degreaser that is tough on dirt and grime yet safe for all surfaces. It will clean bug splatter, bird droppings, road film, grease, oil, grass stains, blood, urine, feces, pollution, dirt, grime and much more, yet it will not damage raw,
anodized or painted aluminum, rubber, vinyl, wood, glass, plastic etc.

If the aluminum on the trailer is stained, use Alumabrite to brighten it. Alumabrite is a highly concentrated, industrial strength, marine grade brightener that works in minutes. Spray on rinse clean. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid streaking or whitening of the aluminum because it works very quickly.

To protect the trailer use Alumetron. When the aluminum is clean and bright simply wipe on several coats with a cloth pad and let dry to a very durable protective clear coat. Alumetron bonds chemically to the aluminum for exceptional durability.In addition to protecting the exterior and interior vertical surfaces, it can also be used under the rubber pad to protect against staining and corrosion from urine. If ever the Alumetron coating is damaged from scratching or abrasion, it can be retouched in the field.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Cleaning & Protecting Sunbrella Dodger from Bird Droppings

2010-08-09T16:09:00.001-04:00

Question:

Donald Kluberdanz asked:

Do you have a product or suggestion for maintaining/cleaning/protecting Dodger & Bimini "Sunbrella" material, particularly from bird droppings?

Answer:
Boat Clean Plus is excellent for cleaning the bird droppings from all soft surfaces, like Sunbrella canvas as well as hard surfaces like fiberglass. Simply spray it on, full strength, making sure that the entire mess is wet and allow it to work for 20 minutes or so, then rinse it clean. Although Boat Clean Plus is an aggressive cleaner, it is safe for all fabrics and stitching so it won't damage the canvas or leach the color.

As far as protecting the top from bird droppings, you need to find some way of discouraging the birds from leaving their presents, or covering the top with plastic, which may not be practical. There are numerous devices such as fake Owls, fishing line strung back and forth over the boat, probes or spikes temporarily attached to areas of your boat where they like to perch, etc. to discourage them. Boaters have reported various degrees of success with these items. It may be worth experimenting with them.

There is no chemical that will prevent the bird feces from sticking or attaching.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Cleaning & shining Non-Skid decks and swim platforms

2010-07-27T12:06:00.001-04:00

Question:

Tim asked:

I have a red Crownline, and on the top deck were the non skid surface is, it is always white and dull looking. What do I need to clean and make it shine again?

Answer:

First you need to clean the dirt, bacteria, pollutants and oxidation from the surface and clean out the pores. To do this, wash the deck with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water, using a Marine Scrub Mitt or sponge with some aggressive rubbing, and rinse clean. This will get rid of all the surface pollution.

Next deoxidize and deep clean the surface with Boat Scrub. Use a Marine Scrub Mitt or cloth. Apply the Boat Scrub to the Mitt and scrub the smooth surfaces until all the oxidation is removed and the surface is shiny. You will need a scrub brush to clean the non-skid areas. Rinse and let dry. Boat Scrub will remove the dead and damaged gelcoat without damaging the integral gelcoat. Be sure that the finish is shiny and there are no streaks, otherwise go over it again until it is smooth and shiny.

Sure Step will seal the pores in the gelcoat and give you a nice shiny, UV protective, low maintenance polish. It’s pressure sensitive, meaning that it’s slippery to light weights like dirt and pollutants, making it easy to keep clean, but when pressure is applied to the surface such as when you step on the deck with deck shoes or even bare feet, the weight creates pressure which gives you grip. And, the traction increases when the decks are wet.

Apply the Sure Step with a 2” foam paint roller. Be sure to spread it out as much as you can and push it into the surface. Let it dry to a haze. Wipe off the haze with a terry towel and buff the irregular non-skid surfaces with a 6” loose cotton jewelers buffing wheel on the end of a 18V portable drill. After 24 hours apply a 2nd coat. Now you will have a nice shiny deck again that will resist UV, dirt and pollutants. On white surfaces that are more reflective it should last 3 to 6 months, depending on how strong the sun is in your area. Darker surfaces may require reapplication more frequently as dark colors absorb more UV and will degrade faster.

Maintenance will be greatly reduced. No more scrubbing. In most cases rinsing with a garden hose and drying with a chamois is all that is required. If you need more aggressive claming, just wash it with a 1:15 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water with the rest of the boat and dry with a chamois to eliminate water spots.

You will find your decks safer to walk on because even though they are nice and shiny there will be no slipping.

Thanks for your question.

Captain Aurora

Removing Stickiness from Vinyl and Rubber

2010-06-30T11:43:00.001-04:00

Question:
John Wright asked:
The rubber around my rear view mirror and the vinyl on a side panel along the driver’s seat have become sticky. I assume it is some kind of UV breakdown. The boat is a 2000 Ski Nautique. Will one of your products, perhaps speed clean, remove the stickiness?

Answer:

Once vinyl and rubber becomes sticky it’s usually a sign that the damage is irreparable, however if the materials are not too badly damaged, Speed Clean may remove the sticky surface. It’s worth a try before you replace these items, but no guarantees. If it works, you have saved yourself the expense of replacing these items. If you do get it off, be sure to protect the surfaces with Vinyl Guard to reduce the chance of reoccurrence. Vinyl Guard will restore some of the lost plasticizers which will help protect the vinyl and rubber.

From your description it sounds like something was applied to the surface which caused a migration of the plasticizers out of the material which in turn led to degradation from UV rays from the sun. Some of the causes of this type of damage are using the wrong cleaners or protectors, suntan oil and insect repellents. If the driver used sun blocker or suntan oil on his arm and rubbed it on the vinyl, this would explain why the side panel was damaged. In future clean the vinyl with Boat Clean Plus and apply several coats of Vinyl Guard to all of the vinyl and rubber to prevent this from happening again. Vinyl Guard is different than other protectors. It uses new polymer technology instead of solvents. It’s not greasy or slippery and will protect against suntan oil and sun blocker damage as well as UV, food and beverage spills etc.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Protecting Boat Bottom in Brackish Water

2010-06-22T13:42:00.001-04:00

Question:
Simon Williams asked:
Can VS721 be used to protect an unpainted fiberglass boat bottom that I plan to store in brackish water for the summer season? I'm trying to avoid bottom painting my Mastercraft ski boat. It's stored approximately 5 miles up a river inland from the southern NJ shore.

Answer:

Boat owners have had mixed results with VS721 in your part of the country. Brackish water will still support algae and barnacles so these can attach to boat bottoms and in some cases stain the gelcoat as well. VS721 will keep your bottom clean if you use your boat on a regular basis or if you wipe the slime off as it begins to appear. In this instance, bacterial slime is at the bottom of the food chain so if you can keep it off you will not be providing a host for algae and barnacles.

If you plan to leave your boat stationary in the slip for weeks at a time or if you allow slime to accumulate, growth will eventually attach. The benefit of VS721 is that it will seal the pores in the gelcoat against osmosis blisters and make marine growth much more difficult to attach and easier to remove. Even toxic bottom paint has limited effect at stopping growth on stationary boats in your area.

Those are your options. The reality is that as boat owners realize the damage they are causing to the environment, by polluting the water with bottom paints that leach heavy metals and neurotoxins into the water, they will seek alternatives before it’s too late and we completely destroy our planet. The oil leak catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico is a stark reminder of what can happen when we try to take shortcuts and things go horribly wrong. Environment friendly alternatives, in some cases, will require more maintenance on our part. VS721 is one of those alternatives. The heavier the natural growth in an area, the more maintenance will be required.

If you can wipe the bottom from time to time, I would recommend using VS721 on your boat. If not, you can use bottom paint for the short term but understand that in the near future, it may be banned as it already is in parts of Europe and California.

Thanks for you question

Captain Aurora

Will Alumabrite runoff damage glass, plastic, electronics

2010-05-31T15:59:00.001-04:00

Question:
John Bartolf asked:
Can I use Alumabrite on my hard top, t-top, aluminum framing without worrying about it dripping on the windsheild, vinyl, plastic and electronics? Will your product bring back that new look without polishing afterwards? Where is your closest supplier.

Answer:
Alumabrite is an acid based cleaner that will etch glass. It normally does not bother most plastics but could cause streaking on some and it can corrode electronic components and wiring and may streak other metal. It will not harm fiberglass providing it's rinsed off. You need to mask off and protect these components with plastic sheeting or plastic bags and masking tape or a coating of grease.

Alumabrite will bring back the shiny silver color of aluminum without polishing. We recommend that you do a test to determine the ideal concentration and waiting time before rinsing it off for best results. We also recommend washing it afterwards with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water to remove any residue and neutralize any Alumabrite that may not have been completely rinsed away. After, if you protect it with Alumetron, it will stay bright and shiny and resist corrosion.

You can read the full instructions here:

http://www.auroramarine.com/aurora/howto/howto_alumabrite.html

All of our dealers are listed in the Find a Dealer section of our Website http://auroramarine.com/. If there are no dealers near you, you can order on line in the Buy it Now section.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Will Clear View Keep my Ports from Fogging?

2010-05-27T10:42:00.001-04:00

Question:
M. D’Angelo asked:
I have an older boat with tinted, plastic ports that are foggy and discolored due to weathering. I’m guessing the ports are made of a Plexiglas type material. I can polish them with a mild automotive rubbing compound and they will clear up for a short time (about a month) but always foul up again. Will your Clear View product, especially the protector coating, keep them looking cleaner for a longer period of time? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Answer:
Yes, Clear View will keep your see through plastic clear longer.

We do not recommend that you use rubbing compounds or sandpaper on your ports as it can cause additional damage and distortion of the plastic. The Clear View No. 1 cleaner / restorer is easier to use, will do a better job and is less injurious to the plastic surface. Clear View No. 2 should be applied about every 6 to 12 weeks to keep the ports clear and protected. Because you have been using rubbing compound, you may have to apply it more frequently. Clear View No. 2 contains UV protection and anti-static materials and other ingredients to protect the surface of your plastic.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Delamination of the Paint from the Surface of the Aluminum caused by Oxidation

2010-05-26T16:24:00.001-04:00

Question:
Matt Klein asked:
I have a problem with painted aluminum window frames that have delamination of the paint from the surface of the aluminum caused by oxidation. After application of Alumetron to a clean bonding surface is it possible then to coat over the Alumetron with paint-i.e. will paint bond to Alumetron? If so, what types of paint, spray paint?

Answer:
Yes you can paint over Alumetron with a water based latex paint. For added protection, you can then overcoat the paint with a couple of coats of Alumetron. Because of its chemical bonding properties, Alumetron makes an excellent aluminum primer for water based paint.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

VS721 the "way to go" in Salt Water

2010-05-13T12:46:00.002-04:00

Question:

Allen Nonnenmacher has submitted the following:

I purchased a 1999 Bayliner Capri cuddy in the fall of last year. This was a fresh water boat and never bottom painted. The hull is pristine and looks like it just came from the factory.

I will be keeping the boat in the water at a marina in Staten Island, New York this summer. I really hate the idea of applying antifouling bottom paint to the hull.

What kind of success can I realistically expect with VS721 bottom coat in the waters of my area?

Answer:

VS721 does not contain poisonous biocides but relies on its super slippery finish to impede the attachment of marine fouling. It’s perfectly clear and will seal the pores in the gelcoat to prevent osmosis blisters. It will give you about the same anti-fouling properties as VC17 racing paint without the hassles of painting and maintaining a painted bottom.

Marine fouling in the North East coast of the US and Canada has become progressively worse over the past two decades so that now it is more aggressive than in the Florida area. No one knows why but it is speculated that the strains of algae and barnacles in the area have mutated over time to become more resistant to the pollutants and biocides in the water and are becoming ever more difficult to control. Even high load copper anti-fouling paints are barley adequate to keep up, especially if the boat is left moored for prolonged periods of time.

If you plan to use your boat on a regular basis and can wipe off the slime every few weeks, VS721 will work for you. If your boat will be stationary for weeks at a time and if you can not keep the slime from accumulating then toxic paint is the only answer otherwise you will get growth on the bottom of your boat. If you decide to paint, I suggest that first you apply a barrier coat to prevent osmosis blisters and then ask around to find what others are using successfully. I suspect that you will have to use the most toxic paint that is still legally available in your area. The most effective paints have been banned because of the damage they were causing to the environment.

Sales of VS721 continue to increase each year in the range of 350% to 450% so it works for a lot of boat owners, both in fresh and salt water but we have been getting a few complaints from boat owners in your area. This is from boat owners that do not take their boats out for weeks or months at a time. The abrasion from the water when running the boat is usually sufficient to knock off the slime and if there is not slime to feed on, algae and barnacles will not attach. VS721 will also make the bottom considerably easier to clean if you do get some growth.

The final choice of bottom protection will depend on how you use and maintain your boat.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Cleaning Carpet in a Bow Rider

2010-05-04T12:31:00.002-04:00

Question:

Gilles Racicot asked:

Would Aurora have a product to clean the carpets for a 17 foot bowrider?
There is a buildup of green musty and moldy residue on the carpets. Any suggestions regarding this matter. Would a carpet cleaner with a cleaning solution do the trick or would I be able to scrub it out with a brush and a solution?

Answer:

Aurora Boat Clean Plus will do a better job of cleaning boat carpet than professional steam cleaning.

If it’s a snap in carpet, remove it and clean it on the dock, driveway or on a lawn. If it’s permanently attached, you can clean it in the boat.

The directions are:
1. Pre-spot clean the carpet. In other words, spray straight Boat Clean Plus on any stains, heavy soiling, mould or mildew.
2. Wet the carpet with a garden hose.
3. Spray Boat Clean Plus evenly over the carpet.
4. Use a deck brush or stiff bristled scrub brush and give the carpet a good scrubbing in all directions, paying special attention to the stained or heavy soiled areas. You should see foam from the brushing. That indicates that you have enough Boat Clean Plus on the surface. If not, spray some more. If you are getting heavy foam, you are using too much.
5. Rinse well with water
6. Let dry in the sun
7. When dry, vacuum the carpet to fluff up the pile.
8. When the carpet is out of the boat, use Boat Scrub on the fiberglass to deep clean any remaining mould spores out of the pores in the gelcoat. Rinse, dry and apply 2 coats of Premium Boat Shine to seal the pores and protect the gelcoat against further damage or mould spore propagation.

You can also use Boat Clean Plus to clean the vinyl seats.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Aurora Products Safe to Use on Painted Surfaces

2010-04-27T14:57:00.001-04:00

Question:
Rick Milner has submitted the following:
Aurora Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub, Premium Boat Shine & Sure Step, can these products safely be used on painted fiberglass hulls and decks?

Answer:
Boat Clean Plus is safe to use on all surfaces and is an excellent cleaner for boat paints which are two part polyurethanes.

Boat Scrub should be used with care and only applied with a damp sponge or soft brush on textured surfaces. Boat Scrub can sometimes be used to remove stains or scuff marks that can not be removed by any other safe means. Care should be taken on new paint as it can scuff the surface if used too aggressively, but this can be the trade off necessary to remove a bad scuff mark.

Boat Scrub is recommended for cleaning non-skid deck surfaces prior to the application of Sure Step. In that case pre-wash the deck with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water and while still wet, pour on some Boat Scrub and continue scrubbing with a mild to medium bristled deck brush. Rinse clean and let dry prior to applying the protector.

Premium Boat Shine is synthetic and will not harm painted surfaces like wax will.

Sure Step is recommended for painted decks, both non-skid and smooth. In addition to protecting the surface from UV chalking, dirt and stains it adds a degree of safety because of the increased grip, especially when the decks are wet.

Another excellent product for painted boats; hulls and superstructure, is Kwik Shine. It is a combination cleaner, deoxidizer and protective polish, with exceptional shine. It will remove many stains, grime and dirt, bug splatter, bird droppings, light oxidation and salt deposits while leaving a beautiful protective shine. It’s a favorite amongst boat owners with painted hulls.

Thanks for your question

Captain Aurora

Protecting Black Hull from Sun Damage

2010-04-21T10:47:00.001-04:00

Question:
Jim Wade has submitted the following:
I have a black hull and my boat will be exposed to the sun part of the day. What is the best product and preparation I can do to prevent my hull from fading or discoloring from exposure to the sun? I really would like to keep it looking good and shiny.

Answer:
Black is especially tough to protect against fading from the sun. You have several options which can help. Clean the hull first with Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub to make sure that the protective polishes bond to the gelcoat rather than to old wax or pollutants or dirt etc.

Option 1 is to apply 2 or 3 coats of Premium Boat Shine. This is our most durable polish and it contains the VS721 polymer for added durability. It has excellent UV protection which will outlast any other polish available but even so all UV protection systems will degrade and the dark color will absorb more radiation and degrade the UV protection more quickly. I would suggest reapplying a couple of coats of Premium Boat Shine every 90 days or so. If you can keep the boat in the shade or under a cover of some sort, two coats will last for a full year.

Option 2 is to apply 2 coats of Kwik Shine and then reapply it every 2 weeks or so. The advantage of this is that you are constantly renewing the UV protection. Also, since Kwik Shine is a spray and wipe cleaner / polish, it is fast and easy to apply. Many boaters that have trailered boats, especially if they boat in salt water, love Kwik Shine because they can spray the boat down after every use and quickly wipe off the salt and water spots and they get a brilliant shine which keeps their boat looking new. Kwik Shine also contains Salt Busters which ionize the salt and convert it into a polish.

Keeping black, red or dark blue boats covered or in the shade when not in use, is still the best protection for the boat. The best UV protection systems available only have a maximum life of about 6 months of constant UV radiation and this is shortened by the darker colors.

Thanks for your question.
Captain Aurora

How to Restore a 30 Year Old Aluminum Boat

2010-04-08T16:29:00.001-04:00

Question:

Joyce Dornan asked

I am looking for a miracle product to clean a 30 year old aluminum fishing boat. Could you please suggest one of your products to me.

Answer:

We have several. You can use Algex to get the marine growth off the bottom of your boat. Alumabrite to deoxidize and restore the shiny appearance of the aluminum. Alumetron to put a protective clear coat on the aluminum that will keep it bright and shiny for up to 5 years. Boat Clean Plus to wash and clean the boat and prep it for Alumetron. And, VS721 to prevent the attachment of marine growth when you leave your boat in the water. All these products are easy to use and if you follow the instructions on the bottles, you will get guaranteed results.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Cleaning Black Streak on Pontoon Boat

2010-03-29T13:09:00.001-04:00

Dave Forman asked:
Can you suggest the best Aurora cleaning product to buy to remove the persistent Black Streaks on the sides of my Pontoon boat.

Answer:
The product most recommended by companies like Bennington is Aurora Black Streak Remover. Pour a little on to a damp Marine Scrub Mitt or sponge and just wipe away the black streaks.

To protect the fences and rails and reduce future black streaks apply 2 coats of Premium Boat Shine with VS721 polymer.

Thanks for you question
Captain Aurora

Removing Oil Stain on Non Skid Deck

2010-03-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

Question:

Ron asked:

How would you suggest removing an oil stain that set in from an oil can sitting on non-skid for too long... already tried bleach, and non skid cleaner...

Answer:

Your best bet is to try a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. That’s what boat manufacturers use to remove yellowing, streaking, rust marks etc. If this does not work, then the stain has been on too long and is indelible and can not be removed with cleaners. Also, using the wrong cleaner, like bleach, can set the stain, making it impossible to remove.

When you get the stain out, be sure to seal the non-skid decks with Sure Step. It will prevent this from happening in the future. I recommend that you seal all non-skid deck surfaces as soon as possible after you buy your boat with Sure Step to prevent stains from happening.

Thanks for your question,
Captain Aurora

How Do I Remove Barnacles from My Aluminum Pontoons?

2010-03-22T14:06:00.001-04:00

Question:

Randy asked:
What product do I need to remove barnacles from my aluminum pontoon boat? How difficult will this be to do?

Answer:
Use Algex to clean up your pontoons. Spray it on and let it work for about 1/2 hour. This will soften them up so that they are easier to remove. You will probably need several applications to get the adhesive rings off. If you need to do some scraping, use a wooden or plastic scraper so you don't damage the metal on your boat. If your pontoons are oxidized or discolored, use Alumabrite to brighten them. After you have your pontoons clean, protect them with VS721 Bottom Protectant to help prevent adhesion of barnacles and make them easier to remove in the future.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Alumetron Fights Aluminum Corrosion with a Chemical Bond

2010-03-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

Aurora Marine’s newest product, ALUMETRON, is a unique direct to metal, clear, polymeric coating which bonds chemically to aluminum, protecting it against corrosion, chalking and staining from the environment, including water immersion and road salt. The ability to bond chemically as well as mechanically makes ALUMETRON an incomparable protective coating for aluminum.

This new formula uses water based technology which reduces VOC emissions making it a green product. It’s non flammable and non corrosive. There are no special handling, storage or shipping considerations to be concerned with is suitable for OEM as well as aftermarket use.

Aluminum is considered by scientists to be an anti-social metal because it rejects most coatings. Protection against corrosion usually consists of heat treating, anodizing in corrosive acid baths, special primers and paints and even then protection is limited. Aluminum is well suited to road trailer applications because it’s light, durable, flexible, inexpensive and attractive but has always suffered from susceptibility to corrosion. Now with ALUMETRON protection, it might just be the perfect metal.

Ask any pontoon boat owner what their aluminum pontoons look like after a summer in the water and most will tell you “like rusty steel drums”. Fishermen complain that their expensive aluminum towers and outriggers begin to get dull and pit from the salt water and air, even though they have been anodized. Salt water sailors maintain a constant vigil to insure that their aluminum masts and rigging are free from corrosion attack. Trailer owners watch in dismay as the once shiny aluminum on their hauler, that they were so proud of, turns to crusty white with pits or dark brown and splotchy. This new breakthrough invention from Aurora makes all this is a thing of the past. A single application of ALUMETRON can keep your precious aluminum looking shiny and new for 5 years or longer.

ALUMETRON is easy to apply. Simply wipe it on and let it dry. No primers or special pre-treatment is required. If your aluminum needs help, Aurora Marine can supply all the necessary products needed to clean and restore it to like new. A bright shiny aluminum trailer will give you greater enjoyment and fetch a much higher value at trade in time. Dealers will find it much easier to sell their trailers when they are bright and shiny.

If ever the coating is damaged from scratching or abrasion, No Problem! Simply wipe on a couple of coats to the effected area and it blends right in and continues the protection. Trailer dealers that sell ALUMETRON as a value added protection system can also sell a small bottle of product to the customer so they can do their own touch ups.

In addition to protecting aluminum from environmental attack and corrosion, ALUMETRON is also effective at protecting galvanized steel. Trailers made from aluminum or galvanized steel take a real beating from salt water or road salt in northern climates, but ALUMETRON will protect these trailers with a tough, clear, protective, coat.

How do I Remove Fuel Stains from Fiberglass

2010-03-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

Aurora Marine

Question:
Chuck Sullivan asked :
I have a light green hull; the gas overflow during a hot season has left discoloration on the side of the boat. Can we remove this stain? 2005 Boston Whaler Outrage 27.

Answer:
Perhaps. It depends on whether the stain has become indelible or not. If you catch it early enough you can get it out with a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. Apply the solution onto a soft clean cloth and rub out the stain. Afterwards protect the area with 2 or 3 coats of Premium Boat Shine. This is a synthetic sealer and polish that does not have any Carnauba Wax in it so it won’t yellow.

If this fails to get the stain our, the next step is to sand it out. Start with 600 grit wet sandpaper and use plenty of water. Sand until you get the stain out. Next sand with 800 grit wet sandpaper to remove the scratch marks. After, you can use a fine rubbing compound to bring back the shine. Protect the area with 2 to 3 coats of Premium Boat Shine.

If this fails then you are looking at refinishing the area. This is best done by spraying a matching color of gelcoat onto the sanded area and feathering it into the surrounding gelcoat. If done correctly the repair will be invisible. Unless you have the skill set necessary to do the job, you will be better off leaving this to a professional refinisher.

In future, carry a bottle of Kwik Shine in the boat with you. Whenever there is a fuel spill, and this is still quite a common occurrence, spray Kwik Shine onto the spill on the side of your boat. This will react with and remove the fuel as well as reseal the surface and replace the polish. The other benefit is that you will contain the fuel in the wiping cloth rather than flushing it into the water, which is the environmentally correct thing to do.

Thanks for your question:

Captain Aurora

Removing Yellow Stain from White Fiberglass

2010-03-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

Customer asked:
I have a 10 year old white fibreglass boat and it now has a faint yellow tinge to the white hull. This is not left in the water. Is this something that one of your products could return back to the original white?

Answer to the Question:
This is a common occurrence resulting from the use of Boat Wax that contains Carnauba Wax. Many boat manufacturers now recommend that you do not use Carnauba Wax based products and only use synthetic products like Premium Boat Shine to protect your boat.
The best and easiest way to remove the yellowing and restore the original color and shine is with a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. This is what’s recommended by the boat manufacturers. Wash the boat first with a 1:10 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water and then use a soft cloth and the 50/50 solution to rub away the stain. You can use a Marine Scrub Mitt to reduce the labor required and the amount of time necessary to restore your boat.
Because of the age of your boat, the stain my have built up over the years and become indelible. If the above remedy does not work then the next solution is to wet sand the surface, followed by rubbing compound to remove the surface scratches and restore the shine, followed by Boat Scrub to remove the rubbing compound. This is pretty extreme because you will be cutting several layers of gelcoat off your boat, exposing the pores and making it more susceptible to environmental deterioration in the future.
Once a boat has been compounded or wet sanded you will probably have to detail the boat 2 to 4 times per year, depending on where you’re located and the ambient weather conditions, to maintain the finish. Compounding should be a remedy of last resort and should only be used if all else fails.
When the color and shine is restored protect your boat with Premium Boat Shine. It is synthetic so it will not yellow or stain and it will give you a diamond hard anti-static finish that will not get greasy or oily in the sun. Waxes tend to be greasy when warmed by the sun and this attracts and holds dust, dirt and pollutants against the surface. You will notice that Premium Boat Shine resists black streaks much better than wax। It is a combination sealer and polish and it contains some of the VS721 polymer for added durability. On boats in good condition, two coats on the hull will last a whole year even in South Florida.

Thanks for your question,
Captain Aurora

Inflatable Boats & RIBS: Cleaning, Restoring, Protecting

2008-04-11T12:25:00.001-04:00

http://www.auroramarine.com/

Verrryyy slow leaks in inflatables

Customer asked:What is the expected amount of normal deflation in an inflatable? I bought a used one last year and it deflates just a tiny amount...enough that it needs to be pumped up about once every week or 10 days., even when it is stored indoors (like now). Is that normal or is there a small leak somewhere?

Your problem is quite common. If an inflatable boat is in good shape, there should be no leaks and it should hold air. There are numerous causes for these slow leaks. Most can be corrected but in some cases, it's just not worth while and you can either live with the leak or retire the boat.

The biggest cause of leaks are the valves. Unscrew them, clean them and make sure that the O Rings are in good shape. If they look pinched, compressed or deformed, replace them. Often particles of sand or dirt are enough to cause a passageway for air to escape.Next, check for pinhole leaks or leaks around the seams. Inflate the boat hard. Mix a solution of dish detergent and water and wash the boat with a cloth. Keep the boat wet and watch for telltale bubbles. This may require some patience especially if the leak is very slow. You should be able to repair small pinhole leaks by yourself with a special repair kit available at most Inflatable Boat dealerships. If the leak is at, or near a seam, you are better to get a professional to do the repair as this can involve removing the seam and rebuilding it from the inside as well as the outside.

The other cause of slow leaks is porosity in the fabric. This is usually the result of poor, or no maintenance. This can be caused by UV, suntan oil, diesel in the water, or the use of wrong cleaners or protectors which will break down the plasticizers in the fabric and allow air molecules to migrate through the tube. This occurs most often with PVC boats. There are Air Seal products on the market that can be used to extend the life of a boat in this condition, if it's not too far gone. It's a coating that is injected into the tube. The tube is then inflated and the boat tumbled to make sure that all interior surfaces are coated. If you use this, it's a good idea to keep the boat permanently inflated to avoid the fabric from sticking to itself when the boat is deflated.If the boat has been treated with oil, silicone or Teflon based products, the boat may not be worth repairing as it will be very difficult to get patches or adhesives to stick with any durability and you will be forever patching.Many major Inflatable Boat manufacturers recommend cleaning their boats, right from the beginning, with Speed Clean and protecting them with Poly Guard. These products are safe for all fabrics, seams and adhesives and will give good protection against UV, suntan oil, diesel, acid rain, dirt, grime, pollutants and other environmental damage. They can also be used to restore older boats that may be chalky, faded, or stained, to like new condition. Inflatable Bottom Spray is recommended for removing marine growth without damaging the tube or fiberglass hull and Repelin is recommended for anti fouling protection if your boat is left in the water for any period of time.Thanks for your question.

Captain Aurora

http://www.auroramarine.com/

How Do I Restore the Chalky Gelcoat On My Boat?

2008-04-09T15:03:00.001-04:00

http://www.auroramarine.com/

Aurora marine industries gives the following advice when trying to restore the chalky gelcoat on a boat. We will answer the following questions in this article. On a boat that is 33' long and the beam is 13', how much boat scrub and premium boat shine will be needed? Is there a minimum temperature for using the product? Is the boat scrub applied by hand or with a polisher?

Answer: The amount to buy depends on the condition of your boat. Premium Boat Shine will cover about 400 sq. ft. and you need 2 coats. The first coat will soak in because if your boat is chalky, the gelcoat is dry and porous and will absorb more. The coverage on the 2nd coat will be greater. To restore the finish, first wash the boat with Boat Clean Plus at a concentration of about 1:4 with water. The easy way is to use a Marine Scrub Mitt. This will remove the surface pollutants and make the deoxidization process easier and faster and you will use less Boat Scrub.
Boat Scrub can be used by hand or with an orbital buffer. Most people find it is just as easy to use it by hand, with the Marine Scrub Mitt. Simply rub away the oxidation until the gelcoat shines and then apply the Premium Boat Shine.
For the deck, use Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub to clean and deoxidize the surface. Use the Marine Scrub Mitt on the smooth surfaces and a deck brush on the non-skid areas. You can then apply 2 coats of Sure Step to the decks. It will give your decals protection against UV, seal the pores, makes the deck, including the non-skid super easy to keep clean, restore the new boat shine, and it's not slippery when you stand on it. On many boats, it will improve the traction, especially when the decks are wet. Coverage of Sure Step is about 200 sq ft per jar and you need 2 coats.
You will probably need between 3 or 4 bottles of Boat Clean Plus and 4 to 6 bottles of Boat Scrub. In addition to using these products to restore the finish on your boat, you will continue to use them for regular maintenance such as washing your boat, cleaning the upholstery, dissolving and removing bird poop, cleaning fenders and rub rails etc.
Ideal temperature is room temperature, about 72º F, however Aurora Boat Care Products can be used at temperatures + or - 25º F. Of course the hotter or colder temperature will make them a little more difficult to work with in terms of application and removal. The temperature of the surface is more important than the ambient temperature. If the product freezes or evaporates on contact, you will have a difficult time.
If your boat bottom has antifouling paint, you will probably want to continue to keep on painting because stripping off the old paint is such a big job. If not, or if you are willing to strip the old paint, I highly recommend VS721 Bottom Coat. It has a lot of benefits such as reduced fuel consumption, better speed and performance, protection against osmosis, easier to clean and is environment friendly. Coverage is about 400 sq ft per bottle.
Other products that will help you restore your boat to like new condition are: Vinyl Guard for the exterior seats, Odor Free for the head, Bilge Bath for the bilge and Clear View for the Isinglass windows and acrylic or polycarbonate hatches and portholes.
Grady White makes a great boat. With a little effort you should be able to restore her and maintain her in new condition for a lot of years. The key is to keep her clean, polished and protected. Once your boat gets neglected and starts to deteriorate, it takes a lot more effort to bring her back.

http://www.auroramarine.com/

Bottom Cleaning & Protection

2008-04-09T13:52:00.001-04:00

http://www.auroramarine.com/

Can I use Repelin on my Fiberglass Hull?

Doug Martin asked: I own a fiberglass 18' power boat that I will be mooring from March to September on the Columbia River here in Washington State. I moored it in the river last year and had a hard time getting the river algae off the boat in the fall. I did get it off but since have talked with people who told me your product is great on fiberglass hulls. I noticed on your web site you say this product is for rubber rafts and ribs. Will this product ruin my gel coat or cause damage to the finish if left on for 4 or 5 months?

Repelin will work and will not harm your finish, however VS721 Bottom Coat will work better on fiberglass boats. It's important to get your hull back to pristine before you apply it. If you have any remaining growth, use Algae Strip to get it off (no hard work, roll on, rinse clean) If the growth is all off, you don't need this. If you have any stain, use Waterline Stain Remover (no hard work, roll on, rinse clean). If there are no stains, you don't need this. If there is any growth remaining on your stern drive or lower leg of you OB, use Algex to get this off. Again, if it's perfectly clean, you don't need this. Use Boat Scrub to clean and prep the hull, even if the bottom is clean. Use a Marin Scrub Mitt if you want to save some labor/effort. This will also get scuff marks and oxidation off, if present. Rinse clean and let dry. Apply VS721 Bottom Coat with a damp sponge or cloth and wipe off the haze with a dry cloth. After 24 hours, repeat. Wait 48 hours before launching your boat. You're good to go. If your boat is on a trailer go to Ask The Skipper > Bottom Cleaning > How to Raise Your Boat Off the Trailer to get information about getting under the bunks or rollers. There is more information here about cleaning, restoring and protecting your boat. VS721 Bottom Coat will not ruin or damage your gelcoat. It is recommended by several boat manufacturers to protect their boats against osmosis blisters if the boat is left in the water. Thanks for your question. Captain Aurora

http://www.auroramarine.com/