Discoloraton of Stainless Steel

Bunky · Nov 11, 2007

I am soon to be a 1st time boat owner and am considering the purchase of a pre owned Parker 2520. The boat is very clean but there is some discoloration on the bow rail and the tow ring. The bow rail in places has a slight orange cast (soft rust color). The tow ring bolts look like there is some rust leaching and there is a small place on the fiber glass that is stained.

Has anyone else experienced these problems and is there a way to clean this up?

Burtona · Nov 11, 2007

A spray bottle with medium strength acid (forget the name but it's used for cleaning new brick and available at building supply stores) then rinse with a hose will usually clean up mild rust stains easily.

BoatGirl · Nov 11, 2007

I use Snobol toilet bowl cleaner to remove these stains. You can find Snobol on the cleaning supply aisle in any grocery store. Take a rag and pour a little on the rag and apply it to the stainless and affected gelcoat areas. Make sure you don't get this on your hands! Wash it down and you can add a polish to slow down the discoloration.

Outta Here · Nov 11, 2007

Burtona":1bmkvezr said:
A spray bottle with medium strength acid (forget the name but it's used for cleaning new brick and available at building supply stores) then rinse with a hose will usually clean up mild rust stains easily.

Muratic Acid? I believe that's another name for hydrochloric acid...I use about any brand of metal polish around. WalMart has some called "Blue Luster".