Hull Moustache

[sgtPluck]

Hi,

My Topsides have an ugly light brownish yellow stain that is all along the waterline - and much higher closer to the bow.

I bought some some cleaner and followed the instructions: I just squirted it on and hosed it off after 2 minutes as directed, and it worked - no more moustache.However, 3 weeks later, and the moustache is back, the only difference being that now it is blotchy whereas before it was uniform.

I've read a few posts here about staining of the topsides, and I want to verify if I understand correctly what my problem and solution is:

It would appear that my gelcoat is porous, allowing the stain to quickly grow again. However the stain probably doesn't run deep into the gelcoat (seeing as it washed away quite easily.)

So my question is - do I only need to clean and wax my hull, or should I use a buffing compound first?

Thanks

[Vasco]

Clean with oxalic acid and wax. Wax really retards the staining.

[speciald@ocens.]

My last four boats have had yellowish brown hull gel coat. I don't seem to get a mustache!

[David M]

After removing the stains, anything that fills in the micropores in the gelcoat will help reduce future staining.