Slime on the Boot Stripe

[Richfef]

I sail my Pearson 34 on Lake Michigan and have a problem with a build-up of slime on the boot stripe... the stripe is white between bottom paint and a second red stripe that is higher up...

I have tried rubbing compound and some chemicals like Acetone and CLR remover with only marginal results...

Any suggestions on how to remove it??? before I wind up having to re-paint it???

Thanks

[svadagio]

We have had good luck with a mix of 1 part concentrate hcl acid and 5 parts water.
Bob

[P30Dude]

AKA Muriatic Acid


Vince
S/V Flatline
P-30 No. 280

[a64pilot]

I had some stuff made just for that, called on and off I think, obviously some kind of acid, but not Muratic.
Came as a liquid or a gel.


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[Orion Jim]

Just "remove" it. It's a never ending job, especially if it's low enough to be awash frequently. By remove it I mean your bottom paint should meet your boot top without the "reveal".

[markpierce]

The bottom paint should come up to the bottom of the stripe.

[JPA Cate]

It really depends on what the slime is. If it is bright green algae color, spraying the waterline with a bleach solution kills the biota, and it falls off. Tar remover takes care of oily stuff and tar. Try wiping once a week with a sponge and dishwashing detergent, that will clean a lot of grunge off if it isn't well established. If you have rust staining on it, oxalic acid will take that off, and you will want to wax the paint afterwards. IMO, paint is really fragile, and you're lucky for it to last 10 yrs. Our boat is painted, and that's a huge job!

Good luck with it, I can sure understand not wanting to re-paint the stripe. Markpierce's solution would work, of course, but I think you like the aesthetic of the white stripe.

Ann

[gulfstar37]

Starbright bottom cleaner and sponge.
Dish washing sponge with nylon mesh works best. Pour bottom cleaner on sponge and scrub gently letting solution do the work. Rinse with water. Works well on sunrise side in Lake Huron.

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[Hamish_ct]

I have had great success with tile cleaner. Home depot brand. Mix with about 25% water. Spray it on let it sit for 5 -10 mins and wipe off with soap and water.

No gel coat problems been doing it every year when boat come out for the winter.

Good luck

[a64pilot]

Try it, you'll like it, just don't get any on your skin or clothes

MARYKATE On & Off Hull/Bottom Cleaner | West Marine

[evbeck]

just used toilet bowl cleaner based on recommendation of Bennett Bros. Yachts in Wilmington NC. Worked like a charm. Rub it on liberally, then scub hard with cotton towel, then rinse with hose.

[anacapaisland42]

We cheated..... we raised the bottom paint a foot and the stripes appropriately.
Not only did it get rid of any slime issue but it made the boat 3 feet longer and at least 2 knots faster...... visually that is :-)

Bill

Originally Posted by Richfef

I sail my Pearson 34 on Lake Michigan and have a problem with a build-up of slime on the boot stripe... the stripe is white between bottom paint and a second red stripe that is higher up...

I have tried rubbing compound and some chemicals like Acetone and CLR remover with only marginal results...

Any suggestions on how to remove it??? before I wind up having to re-paint it???

Thanks

[W3GAC]

Got tired of doing this on 46' ketch several times a season. So moved bottom paint up to top of usual slime area and repainted new raised boot stripe. Really glad I did it. Black bottom paint with anti-slime slows and hides any that still might try to form to the point it's a no maintenance waterline... well I usually jump in at some point 'for exercise' with a sponge in my hand and activate the ablative waterline area. It was a fair amount of extra effort reprinting the raised boot stripes, but has really been worth the effort. Hardly have any slime on raised waterline bottom paint. Easy to power wash off at end of season. Light sanding and new annual bottom paint makes it start off new every year/ less buildup/ and can't see any that does!


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[ztsf]

I think someone said this one . . . "On & Off" by Marykate. Can be found at West Marine, and probably all the other boating supply stores. I've used it successfully for cleaning the boot stripe in the Great Lakes and in salt water too. Good luck.

MARYKATE On & Off Hull/Bottom Cleaner | West Marine

[reed1v]

TSP works.