www.iFourWinns.com

does anyone use muratic acid to clean the hull? if so how does this work and not affect the gelcoat?- Thanks

_________________
republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

I was recently told by my marina tech that this was a no-no. Good question, I'm curious to hear what others say.

_________________
Vic
"Byte Me"
1989 Vista 245
Lake Norman, NC

I know its common practice around here to use to clean the hull. Guy I work with uses it on his 25' Mirage. Its not the best thing for the hull, but he only uses it once a year at the end of the year. Says it works great. Think you need to dilute it with water though. Not positive on that.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Aside from the hull - what kind of damage will it do to your trailer?

There are some other alternatives... check out west marine. I think the active ingrediant in most of the off-the-shelf stuff is oxalic acid or something like that?

I've heard of people using oven'off with great results as well.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I think you meant Easy on and off on oven'off. This product is what contains the oxalic acid. Its great stuff but very strong. Good for once a year application to take a waterline and the nasty stuff off. You need to wear gloves, eye protection and a mask when using this stuff. Need to was afterwards as this will take the wax with it.

I would stay away from muratic acid.

_________________
Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

I have used Marykate On & Off Hull & Bottom Cleaner. I believe the active ingredient is oxalic acid. The gel works quite nicely. I do cover my trailer and I wear gloves when I apply it. I always rinse down and then wax after I use it but I only do it at the end of the season to get rid of the stubborn lake growth that I don't want to leave on over the winter.

_________________

2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

I used the marykate on & off on my hull too. Works great. Make sure to wear gloves, mask/respirator and eye protection. That stuff is about as potent as muratic acid. I made sure to keep my hose close by to dillute quickly if a drop found its way to the wrong place. I used some plastic to cover up my trailer as that stuff can eat away at the paint. You want to work in small sections...apply, scrub, rinse, move. Wax when all is said and done.

_________________
'99 Horizon 200