Rust spots on fiberglass?

[Pearl]

I am not sure what these spots are, but they seem like rust spots.The spots appeared this summer on my 2010 21EC. The spots are located on the port, stern and, starboard sides of the cockpit, or along the ledge where the cleats, flag pole stanchion, and diesel fuel fill are located. Does anybody know what these are and how to remove them? Thank you.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Pearl,

Have you ever used STEEL wool on, or anywhere near, the boat? The dust from steel wool will cause rust "specks" . I've even had it blow from several feet away onto the flat surfaces of the boat when I've used it on the car, for example.

/david

 

[knotflying]

Join the club! I have been noticing brown streaks not specks like yours on my hull and have tried FSR, prism polish and rubbing compound. Can't seem to get rid of them. I would also like to hear of other's experience or advice on how to get rid of them.

 

[Nellie Too]

We have some stuff that really works to remove rust stains from the fiberglass, its on our boat and I will look at it tomorrow and send you a message about what it is. We were at Poulsbo a couple of months ago and loaned to a guy with a brand new 75' Ocean Alexander (I think) and he loved it even invited me on board to look at his boat.
Bob

 

[jimschu]

I also have rust stains that I can't seem to eliminate. So far the best product I have found is Star Brite
and sold by WM. it sprays on and usually within a couple of minutest he fiberglass is spot free. Unfortunatly
the stains come back. Not sure if itis the SS fittings or the SS screws/bolts.

Jim

 

[abcandjrc]

For one thing, there should be a hyphen in stainless, as in stain-less (vs stain-more). It is a product of iron so some rust is inevitable, and some alloys do better than others. It will probably even rust to some degree in North Dakota, but will surely do so if the boat is used in salt water.

The best removal treatment for rust, if that is what it is, is a product containing Oxalic Acid. The one we have always used is simply Bar Keeper's Friend, a household cleanser, available at most supermarkets. If not that brand, look for others with Oxalic Acid. It dissolves iron oxide. For light rust, just moisten the area, apply the powder and "scrub" with a non-abrasive cloth or pad enough to distribute it. Let it sit a couple minutes and "scrub" it off. For heavy areas, make a paste of the cleanser with water, apply it heavily to the area, let it sit 15 minutes and wash it off. Repeat if necessary.

The other great thing about Bar Keeper's Friend is that "Made especially for boats!" doesn't appear anyplace on the label, so the price is right. As a bonus, you can use it to scrub your pots and pans in the kitchen/galley.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Wolf Pack uses 3M Imperial Compound & Finishing Material.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...d=623&engine=msn&keyword=3m_imperial_compound

It works on both stainless steel (rails, spot light, cleats, BBQ, etc) for salt water corrosion and rust as well as on the deck surfaces, etc., on the rust stains like those pictured above. A very little bit goes a long ways. A quart will last a long, long time. The factory also uses this stuff, so it must be good, right??!!

Also available on Amazon.

We are very happy with this stuff. And by the way, steel wool of any type is banned from use aboard Wolf Pack. Still finding tiny rust spots from that brain-f__t 3 years ago.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

 

[Nellie Too]

I finally remembered to get the name of the rust removing gel on the boat. It is "FSR" fiberglass stain remover. It is very simple to use, requires a cloth or a small paint brush to apply and water to remove along with the stain. If you try it you will love it.
Bob

 

[Levitation]

Rust and old farm equipment are synonymous. We use Hydrochloric Acid / Muriatic Acid / Concrete Cleaner / Driveway Cleaner / etc. (Home-Depot/Ace/hdwe paint section) for removing it.
Mix 1 part acid to 3 parts water (carefully) Add the acid to the water (not the other way around)
Use a nylon/polyester/etc. brush to brush it over the stain. Let it set , the stain will begin to lose color. Re-coat as needed. When the stain is gone sprinkle baking soda over the area (lots of fizzing) Then rinse 3 times with plain water.
Your fiberglass boat is resistant to acids.
Don't get the acid on metal parts unless they are rusty.
If the acid creeps under a fitting where the baking soda won't go, dissolve the soda in water and use as a flush.
You can premix the acid into a plastic jug and take it with you for doing maintenance.

Think of it as battery acid and take the same precautions you would take in handling that.
Good old Naval Jelly (for old timers) will work also but is not as aggressive as HCL

 

[knotflying]

you can also try phosphoric acid which can be bought in Home Depot. try either the paint department or the ceramic tile department.

 

[walldog]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... langId=-1#

Works for us. Use natural bristle brushes only. Do not ask me how I know.

 

[abcandjrc]

Oxalic Acid is much safer than most of the other items, and will do the job on rust just fine. It is so safe that it is what dry cleaners use to remove irons stains from clothing (at least that was the standard when I worked in one). It may not work as fast, but it is plenty effective, and the biggest bonus is that you won't risk having holes in your clothing or in your eyeballs when you are done using it.

And remember, you buy it at grocery store prices in Barkeeper's Friend or equivalent household cleansers (look for Oxalic Acid in the list of ingredients). Not the generally dreaded Boat Store prices.