What's up with this fiberglass

[jcc1653]

Hello,

I saw a picture (hopefully attached) of some fiberglass and I'm not really sure what I'm looking at. My first reaction was that there is moisture in it and that is why there is discolorations. For those that have more knowledge than I do, what is up with it?

Thanks!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by jcc1653

Hello,

I saw a picture (hopefully attached) of some fiberglass and I'm not really sure what I'm looking at. My first reaction was that there is moisture in it and that is why there is discolorations. For those that have more knowledge than I do, what is up with it?

Thanks!

Looks like mould to me.

[jcc1653]

Mold as in scrub it with bleach or mold because the decking behind the fiberglass has moisture in it? I know it's just a picture, so that's probably difficult to answer.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by jcc1653

Mold as in scrub it with bleach or mold because the decking behind the fiberglass has moisture in it? I know it's just a picture, so that's probably difficult to answer.

I would hazard a guess and say mould as in scrub thoroughly with whatever, dry and then ensure ventilation to prevent a repeat performance.

[jcc1653]

Thank you sir!

[mike d.]

Hit it with white vinegar spray, let sit! Rinse with wet cloth! You might have to scub with brush, if stubborn!

[Sailmonkey]

Looks like dirty paint on top of fiberglass to me.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Try scrubbing it first like the guys are saying, & then post some more pics. As if it's not some science experiment gone sideways (mold), then when the boat was built, they may have put some filler in the final layer or two of resin, in order to try & prevent the weave of the glass from showing. And if so, then the problem needs to be approached from another angle. But a good cleaning rarely hurts, regardless!

BTW where's the boat located, & what's the climate like? And can you put a couple of more pics up please, preferably good before & after cleaning ones.

[barnakiel]

Next time avoid white paint ;-)

b.

[Cadence]

I'm with the mold group. If on the surface try a few drops of iodine in a spray bottle of water. If sub surface??

[jcc1653]

All, thanks for the feedback and thoughts. In this case, it's not my boat. It is just a picture I ran across and didn't understand why there would be discoloring. I asked from an educational perspective. I plan to purchase a boat in the next 3-12 months, so I'm just reading and learning as much as I can.

I really do appreciate everyone's thoughts and feedback!

[UNCIVILIZED]

Sometimes people do crazy (dumb) s**t, like spraying flocking or carpet pile directly onto interior fiberglass. So that the fuzzy stuff is glued directly onto the fiberglass.


Or it may be that given the (loco) vents from the anchor well, directly into the interior, that they've created a mold factory inside of the V-berth. As the moisture in the chain locker will migrate to a place of lower humidiity. In this case, that cabin. Again, stupid s**t. But you see it all the time, even on the boats of experienced sailors. They've just not fully thought it through.