Removing numerous rust spots from top side gelcoat

Irie308

Well-Known Member
May 28, 2013
2,577
CT
Boat Info
2004 420 DB, GHS Hydraulic Lift
Garmin 8600/Garmin 1222 plus
AB Mares 10 VSX with 30 hp Tohatsu
Engines
Cummins 450C 8.3 L Turbocharged
Our marina is near a plant of some sorts and it seems they fired up one of their smoke stacks which spewed out what looks like fine rust particles. It was while it was raining so all of the water channels on the deck slowly gathered the particles into nice streaks of rust all over the deck. I really wasn't planning on a wax job before putting the boat away for the season so wondering what i can do so that these rust stains don't sit over the winter. There are quite a bit from the rub rail up including the non skid.
 
Our marina is near a plant of some sorts and it seems they fired up one of their smoke stacks which spewed out what looks like fine rust particles. It was while it was raining so all of the water channels on the deck slowly gathered the particles into nice streaks of rust all over the deck. I really wasn't planning on a wax job before putting the boat away for the season so wondering what i can do so that these rust stains don't sit over the winter. There are quite a bit from the rub rail up including the non skid.
Phone the plant and ask to speak to their environmental officer. Tell them what happened and ask them what they can do to rectify the situation. I will bet you they offer to have someone detail your boat rather than risk you going public with their discharge and risk much larger fines or permit renewal issues.

I had a client once that ran a cement plant. Every once in a while their baghouse would have an issue resulting in cement dust being discharged into the air. If it settled on cars that had dew on them, it would create a concrete stain that was difficult to remove. Anyone that called got their car cleaned and waxed by a local shop that knew what to do. Kept the immediate neighbors from raising a big issue with environmental authorities.
 
Phone the plant and ask to speak to their environmental officer. Tell them what happened and ask them what they can do to rectify the situation. I will bet you they offer to have someone detail your boat rather than risk you going public with their discharge and risk much larger fines or permit renewal issues.

I had a client once that ran a cement plant. Every once in a while their baghouse would have an issue resulting in cement dust being discharged into the air. If it settled on cars that had dew on them, it would create a concrete stain that was difficult to remove. Anyone that called got their car cleaned and waxed by a local shop that knew what to do. Kept the immediate neighbors from raising a big issue with environmental authorities.
This was my first thought. We are a dockominium so definitely brining this up at our next board meeting as there are a bunch of pissed off owners.
 
Our marina is near a plant of some sorts and it seems they fired up one of their smoke stacks which spewed out what looks like fine rust particles. It was while it was raining so all of the water channels on the deck slowly gathered the particles into nice streaks of rust all over the deck. I really wasn't planning on a wax job before putting the boat away for the season so wondering what i can do so that these rust stains don't sit over the winter. There are quite a bit from the rub rail up including the non skid.

You can also try Bar Keeper Friends - I would start with the liquid one. Let it sit for a little while.

-Kevin
 
I've used for many years with great results toilet bowl cleaner from Dollar General its cheap and works great removes rust and scum line rinse well after and suggust rubber gloves it will start to burn a little after awhile
 
These products all work using any of three acids. Oxalic, phosphoric and hydrochloric. Muriatic is hydrochloric. Barnacle buster and prep/etch are phosphoric. On and Off has all three in it (which is why I never use it). Barkeepers is oxalic. Others are FSR and Starbrite Hull Cleaner. Not sure which of the three are in those. Bottom line is it’s the acid that does the work. Research the acids to see which one is best for your application.
 
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I’m pretty sure diluted HCL will do the rust removal job. At least this happened at the end of the season so you do not have to worry about stripping the wax off since you will likely be waxing in a few months.
 

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