Waterspots and Loose Hub on Steering Wheel

[Dave 205]

My boat has a "Dino" steering wheel with a shiny chrome or stainless center, and urathane leather look grip.

The shiny chrome part feels like it may have a sort of vinyl clearcoat on it. There are waterspots all over it. I thought it would clean easily with Windex, but nothing came up. Before I try some sort of cleaner wax, does anybody have any idea if I'm cleaning a metal surface, or is there a way to clean it if clearcoated?

The plastic center hub cap is loose - it seems it just had a pressure / wedge type installation, and that has shrunk enough that it is loose. I gave it a temporary fix by putting a rubber band around the wedge part, and that tightened it a bit. Short of getting a new hub cap, any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Tonka Boater]

Use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water for the water spots then follow up with the cleaner of your choice. West Marine also sells a product called Ducky Water Spot Remover...works well but the vinegar solution is cheaper. I personally use Windex Multi-Purpose with Vinegar to clean all of the cabin/cockpit surfaces in my boat. Don't use straight Windex...the ammonia is too harsh.

 

[Dave 205]

Thanks - I had wondered about the Windex as well. I've tended to use it in my cars on anything but leather. After reading a brochure with the boat on cleaning the vinyl interior, which recommended "mild soap, Fantastik, and diluted Mr. Clean, I was thinking about something new. I like your suggestions.

I did end up deciding the metal steering wheel parts were either polished chrome or stainless, and cleaned it with a very fine automotive polish, followed by a paste wax. Now the problem is I can see myself in the wheel and the guy looking back isn't 25 anymore!