Dinghy Cleaning and Protection

[feeez]

I am interested in hearing your input on Dinghy cleaners. I was out in the garage and our Mercury dinghy is really in need of some rehab. To be honest I cant remember what I used last year to clean it in the spring Probably something from around the house. I used the 303 protectant for UV and I was less than impressed with that product. No matter how careful I was it ended up making the inside of the hull very slippery.
I just watched a video on Aurora Speed Clean seems to work well but it was a promotional piece.

Looking forward to your guidance and opinions

Cheers
Fraser

[bud37]

Fraser.....have used speed clean and poly guard on an old rib ,worked ok.....on the new one we have now just clean up and put poly guard on in spring ( does not make it slippery) then make sure to put the cover on when in the slip ( keep the sun off ) and try not to get sunscreen on it, thats it ,the stuff comes in a kit from Aurora, bit pricey, but lasts as you don't use much.......

[feeez]

Further to this one,

I have to "re glue" the decals on the dinghy. Two of them fell off last season and the other is ready to go. What would your recommendations be for :

1. Cleaning the old glue residue off?
2. Can I use 3M 4000 for the reglueing.

Thanks
Fraser

[km1125]

The best thing I used was "Awesome" cleaner from the dollar stores. I bought and old used (abused) dirty dingy and was absolutely amazed at what Awesome and some magic erasers did. AFTER it is cleaned I do use 303 protectant because it is supposed to minimize UV damage... not sure if it really does help but I guess I'm keeping the faith.

[feeez]

Qr Bbpost The best thing I used was "Awesome" cleaner from the dollar stores. I bought and old used (abused) dirty dingy and was absolutely amazed at what Awesome and some magic erasers did. AFTER it is cleaned I do use 303 protectant because it is supposed to minimize UV damage... not sure if it really does help but I guess I'm keeping the faith.

My issue with the 303 was that is made the bottom of the dinghy very slippery.

[bud37]

Heh Fraser, if you could get your hands on some of the that stuff Clarke Griswold put on the snow saucer, maybe 40 knots with a 9.9.... ...

[feeez]

Qr Bbpost Heh Fraser, if you could get your hands on some of the that stuff Clarke Griswold put on the snow saucer, maybe 40 knots with a 9.9.... ...

Maybe I'll just spray the 303 under there!!! LOL

[jcoll]

I just used the speed clean and poly guard this weekend. The speed queen smelled like bleach and the products texture was a bit like pumice. It did clean very well though and the poly guard did bring back a nice finish. Looks like it will add some life to the dinghy.

Fraser, did you find anything adhesive that worked for reattaching your labels?

[feeez]

Qr Bbpost I just used the speed clean and poly guard this weekend. The speed queen smelled like bleach and the products texture was a bit like pumice. It did clean very well though and the poly guard did bring back a nice finish. Looks like it will add some life to the dinghy.

Fraser, did you find anything adhesive that worked for reattaching your labels?

I used 3M4000 UV..... so far so good.

Cheers
Fraser

[jcoll]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.