interior cleaning

[its all good]

I was wondering ,what cleaner do you use to clean the interior of your boats?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?? just came off the lake was beautiful today, cleaning up boat and noticed no matter what we use or how hard we scrub the white interior still has a dirty look about it. Asked Doug at offshore what they use and he told me SIMPLE GREEN,so that is what we have been using but it just is not doing the job, need some helpful hints from anyone who might have some.thanks . Bob

[titties and beer]

we use "general clean up" it's made by vertex industries ,put it on and use a light brush,wipe it off, makes it look like new. the number is 1-435-6528238 c-ya titties and beer http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Essex502]

Between trips to the lake we use Simple Green. However, over a season, the "lows" of the vinyl do collect grime and give the interionr a greyish look. What we discovered worked really well is to use GoJo or similar hand cleaner and a nail brush to gentle scrub those low spots. We did the entire interior at the beginning of the season and it looks better than new. Use the GoJo and wipe with a wet cloth to remove the majority of the cleaner. Then wipe a second time with another wet cloth to make sure all grit is removed. Follow the cleaning with an application of 303 protectant.

[ccracing]

Just cleaned the interior on Saturday and I felt the same way. I used the 3M interior cleaner. It says to apply the cleaner, and then wipe off. I noticed that when you use a soft interior brush, lightly scrub and then wipe off with a towel. It worked great once I used the brush. I was told to use Simple green but heard some bad stories about the sticking turning green. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Chad

[Essex502]

Been using the Simple Green for over a year now and haven't had any problems with the stiching. Yet? The nail brush seems to make all the difference.

[ccracing]

That's good to know! I almost bought it because you can get it almost anywhere, but was leary from what I had heard. Thanks!

[Spectra Chick]

We have been using Simple Green for years and had no problems. You do have to scrub a little though. BUT....what do you guys suggest for the gel right after you pull the boat out. For the water marks?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[jrgaudettes]

vinager and water works best for me....takes off all the spots.

[TooMuchFun]

Vinegar + Water for the water spots works great and is cheap (about 10-15% vinegar and make sure the H20 is distilled).

Marine Clean-all for the grime, stern black from the exhausts, and water line marks on the gel ... available at West marine ... I order a 5 gal. bucket of the stuff from their shop ... really cheap that way.

Acetone for the bad scuff marks on the gel and then rewax with a teflon wax ...
the teflon wax also increases mph on the top end if a good coat or two is applied to the hull.

Marine Clean-all also works well on the vinyl and seat covers ... if you use the following ...

There is also a great 303 product for sun and etc. protection for vinyl and bimini and canvas tops ... West Marine product. I put on in the early spring and then again when storing for the winter and the grime and etc. on the vinyl just wipes off with a simple cleaner ... no brushing and major time on cleaning ...

It also helps to have kids willing to do the work while you supervise over a beer or three.

TooMuchFun

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ May 29 2003, 09:45 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">vinager and water works best for me....takes off all the spots.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Be careful...vinegar and water will remove your wax! There is also a product called "Sundance" (you can get it off the RRX board) that works great for clean-up at the launch ramp.

[Havasu Dreamin]

I use Wash Wax All (http://www.washwax.com/) at the end of the day to remove water spots. Works great and it ahs wax in it so it shines at the same time. I've used the Sundance and I was not happy with the results nor the film it left.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Havasu Dreamin @ May 29 2003, 11:58 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I use Wash Wax All (http://www.washwax.com/) at the end of the day to remove water spots. Works great and it ahs wax in it so it shines at the same time. I've used the Sundance and I was not happy with the results nor the film it left.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Scott - Kurt (No strEssex) and I were talking about this the other day. I have always just towed my boat home and washed it there. Kurt, since he stores his out there, cleans it up at the ramp. He has tried both, and feels that Sundance cleans the spots better and preferred it over Wash Wax. I just ordered a bottle of Sundance, but maybe I will try a bottle of Wash Wax next to compare.

[Havasu Dreamin]

Another one that I've tried and works real good is Wipe Clean from Rex Marine. I use it on the exhaust tips as well to get off the residue from the burnt on water.

[Essex502]

Burnt on water? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[Havasu Dreamin]

Coud not think of another way to describe it. It's the residue that is left over from the water boiling on the hot exhaust tips.

[PUMP 'HER']

I saw that 303 products stuff that TooMuchFun mentioned and looked up their site. Â*Wow they claim that this stuff is like the miricle cleaner. Â*They have a few different products and the claim it will clean just about anything. Â*They even say it will restore faded gel coat. Â*Just spray it on wipe off excess and forget about it. Â*then BAM next day you have like new gel! Â*I dunno sounds like one of those too good to be true things but I think I will get a bottle today and try it out. Â*They say it is great for wiping down at the ramp too. Â*I will investigate and report back on my findings. Â*Site is www.303products.com

[TooMuchFun]

I haven't read the site that Pump 'Her' mentions, but the 303 description is overstated ... it may even be a different cleaner than the 303 product that West Marine sells and I use. Bring back faded gelcoat? ... I don't think so. that requires a sander, buffer, and etc. Helps with grime and dirt removal and protects ... does a pretty good job at that level. West Marine carries a couple 303 products, one has been pretty good to me for protecting and keeping clean the vinyl, and the other if sprayed on a few times a season protects the bimini tops from fading and helps when I clean them. I use Marine CleanAll on the gel and it really works well on the transom in getting all the exhaust black off at the end of the day.

I'll check the site ...

TooMuchFun

[MOWtown]

For the record, I used Simple green on my aging upholstery the other night. I scrubbed with a soft brush and it made my 15 year old upholstery look...like 9 year old upholstery http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif It actually pulled a lot of dirt out but some things are beyond help. I'm still looking for that cleaner that will fix rips...

[Red Horse]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MOWtown @ June 12 2003, 08:46 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">my 15 year old upholstery look...like 9 year old upholstery[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
My Mom. years ago made some seat covers for my Dad's boat. They were made out of a towel material and she sewed the same color scheme in to the covers. I remeber those seats were protected and comfortable to sit on. On my Dad's current boat. (Center console flats fishing boat) the seats have the same type of covers. After years of fish blood and guts the seats look like new and the carpet ( All weather stuff) has been replaced about 3 times. Hell the seats have even outlasted the Igloo ice chest. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[PUMP 'HER']

OK got it, its $15 retail got it for $7. Sprayed it on rubed it around, wiped it off, reapplied, let it set for a few wiped off only the excess, and let it sit. They say you see real results in 12-24 hours, but I cleaned it off real good after about 10 minutes and maybe its just wishfull thinking but it did sorta look good. I know a good waxing/buffing is better, but this is a hell of a lot easier. Maybe it does need the 24 hours to be totaly effective. Its soaking right now. Looked like it will still need a waxing afterwards. But I think it will be a good ramp wipe down.

[MOWtown]

Which stuff...the 303?

[ccracing]

I actually started to use the 409 Degreaser and it works better than anything I have tried for the interior. There is probably better stuff out there but it is better than Simple Green and some of the basic cleaners. A day before we left Memorial weekend I cleaned the boat and was letting it air out when an unexpected visitor crapped on the interior. It hit three seats and noticed it about an hour later and cleaned it off. The next day went in to the boat and it was on another seat (must have missed it) When I went to clean it, the interior had a stain. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif I used almost everything from bleach, gasoline, simple green, shoe polish http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif etc. I went an bought 409 degreaser and it took most of it off along with the sun. Plus its cheap. F'in Birds! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Chad

[PUMP 'HER']

Sorry mow yes the 303 protectant. They also have a new cleaner that probably works well also. I let it soak on a small section all day wiped it off with a damp cloth then used a teflon polymer polish and it looked pretty good. Like has been said its not as good as a wet/color sand, buff and polishbut my finish is not that bad. I mean it is a 12 year old boat that suffered some years of neglect but it looks ok. So my short term answer on this stuff is its pretty good for a gel that is not in bad shape. Plus its an ultra violet protectant to be used on any plastic or vinyl surface so it should be good for the interior too. Although I'm not sure how good it might clean the interior and I cant test that for you all since I HAVE ALL NEW INTERIOR!Which is what this thread is supposed to be about anyway, sorry for taking us off the topic. Maybe the cleaner they sell would be better for that.

[MOWtown]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (PUMP 'HER' @ June 12 2003, 7:42 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I HAVE ALL NEW INTERIOR![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Sorry if I've asked you this in the past but I bug anyone who has done their upholstery lately: Who did your interior?

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MOWtown @ June 12 2003, 9:38 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Sorry if I've asked you this in the past but I bug anyone who has done their upholstery lately: Â*Who did your interior?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I thought we went through this already! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Just bite the bullet and have it done! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[PUMP 'HER']

You know what I think you did ask before but I think I forgot to respond http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif . It was a place here in Riverside, Ca. called Stratton Marine Interiors. They did excelent work and delt with me building engine hatch and stuff. Some shops told me that they just didnt care to bother with it if I insisted on building it myself. I kinda wish I had just let them as it took me longer than expected and was a bit of a pain in the but for my limited experience in fine wood craftmanship. The dint like the rear bench I built, and neither did I really, so they rebuuilt it at no charge, they also built new front seats at no charge, and resined all the new wood also n/c. The embroidered the Commander name on the rear bench and bow seat, sat down with me to really make sure I got what I wanted. What I thought I wanted was not really what I wanted and Martin showed me the error in my ways. All fro only $2400. Now it has a completley updated look and more storage I promise I am going to post some pics soon, going to take them this weekend. Oh and after I learn how. Their phone number is 909.637.6990 incase you feel like making the drive. They were highly recomended on the hotboat forums is how I came across them, they are local to me and I liked them better than the other highly recomended shops in the area. I was quoted as high as $4500 for the same job!

[kevnmcd]

PH - That was a good price! Post pics ASAP! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[MOWtown]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ June 12 2003, 9:39 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought we went through this already! Â* http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Â*Just bite the bullet and have it done! Â* http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yeah, "we" did, you recommended a guy who barely spoke the language and had a broken back...thanks for nothing! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Pump, thanks for the info. I need those pics!!! Call me if you need help posting 497-3554. I would/am going to rebuild everything since I have 20 years of fin. carpenter experience. But it sounds like those guys have the right attitude.

[PUMP 'HER']

ok here they are, before:

[PUMP 'HER']

more before

[PUMP 'HER']

After

[PUMP 'HER']

more after

[PUMP 'HER']

no upholstery here but a nice pic of the boat anyway.

[duckbutter]

Dude that looks great they did a killer job.
It looks a lot more modern, just my boatless .02 http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kevnmcd]

Pump - Looks great. I know when I did the upgrade on my old boat, it made a huge improvement in the look of the boat. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[In2Deep]

I just cleaned the entire interior on my boat this weekend.

Used Smart and Final brand cleaner/degreaser. In a spray bottle, about 50/50 with water. Spray on, let sit about 30 seconds, and used a soft bristled scrub brush in a circular motion. Wipe clean with clean rag and water.

Pulled out nearly all of the fine dirt in the upholstery.

Followed-up with the 303 UV protectant.

Interior looks better than new!

I2D

[MOWtown]

Great pics, pump. It looks like a new boat.

[Red Horse]

That looks good. I agree, it looks like it just came from the boat show http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[PUMP 'HER']

Thanks for the comments all. But damn I did realize the amount of care and concern one must have for something nice. All weekend I was affraid to step on them, drop something on them, or even get the seats wet. Before I just didn't give a care. I cant imagine how I would be with a new boat http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif . Hey I was thinking about keeping some sort of wipes in the boat for quick clean ups. I know Armor All make some, and also 409 and a few others. The girl friend was saying just use something like and alcohol free baby wipe. Just for quick clean up like lil bit of dirt. Or maybe a spot of berry pie! Kids... Not sure how this might affect the 303, if it might strip it off or something. Speeking of the 303, it did a pretty good job as a wipe down at the ramp but did leave it a lil bit streaky. Seamed if you rubed harder it looked better, but with some dirt and stuff on the boat that didnt seem like such a good idea.

[PUMP 'HER']

By the way MOW I was thinking about it last night I was gonna tell you and I forgot, but it might be better to just let them do all the work. I did it to try to save some money and a buddy of mine who is a finnish carpenter said he would help. (I have seen him do some masterfull work) He ended up being too busy to help much but even so he had never built a boat interior and of course neither had I . They used the hatch I built, (the second one, the first one was way off.) I wasn't happy with the bench but figured it would do. They said well maybe they could use it turned out the scraped it and built me a new one, which is way better anyway. Not saying you couldn't build it but unless you really know what they need its tough. Also something I hadn't thought about till they told me, they already have templates for standard designs. That makes their job easier, and the easier their job the cheaper it is for them and better it looks. Something like the hatch they wouldn't have a template for so thats one thing but they build those benches all the time so they know what they need. Plus I spent almost half of what they were gonna charge me to build it in supplies alone. So for me it wasn't worth the hastle. Although there is something to be said for building it yourself, you know its your work and what it took to get it done, there is alot of pride in that. Anyway hope this helps ya.

[MOWtown]

Pump, thanks for the info. Â*I agree with you that it is usually cheaper just to have them do it (and definitely faster ). Â*I think most shops charge you damn near the same price whether you or they build the framework because of the hassle factor for them. Â*I want to do it because I know I'll make it stronger and more reinforced than they would. I have built a boat interior and it came out nice. Â*The key is knowing what clearances to leave for the upholstery. Â*The most common interior mistake is making the wood too tight, like regular furniture. Â*The other mistake I've seen with other carpenters building their interior: boxy, square looking edges (usually framers do this ). What I plan to do is strip the existing upholstery and match the original wood designs exactly (unless I want to change anything ). Â*The hatch will be interesting because I'll have to arch some ply with arched stud ribs. Â*I'd like to lighten it up a bit and am thinking of fabricating the framing "ribs" out of aluminum (I know I'm fooling myself but its fun Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Â*)

[PUMP 'HER']

Well its sounds like you know what your doing then. I had to do the same thing with my hatch. The first one came out junk because I decided I wanted to use hidden hinges. I neglected to plan for these properly and had to cut into the rear support to put them in. This caused it to loose its arch and flaten out. It would have worked but just didnt look good. I just used 1/2" acx plywood and kd 2x4's, that I trimed down where possible. Thought of going with marine grade ply but found it to be fairly expensive and all the shops told me its not needed because you are going to coat everything with resin anyway. Over all I picked up about 20 pounds I think. Would have like to save more weight but couldn't find anyway of doing this and it still be strong enough.