White marks on rub rail

[Timber]

When I take my boat off the water, I always drive it up on the trailer by myself. Last week I did not make it in perfectly. I have the "Nautique only" trailer guide pads that are black with white lettering. So the white lettering got on my rub rail when I was putting the boat on the trailer. I did not notice it last week until now. What kind of cleaner will get it off? I do not want to use something that will eat the rubber up.
Thanks

[Eggie]

RE: White marks on rub rail

Timber, I had same issue. Used acetone (nail polish remover) then followed up with meguiars vinyl and rubber conditioner on the entire rubrail.

[GRskinautique]

RE: White marks on rub rail

I had to deal with this as well. I tried everything but nothing worked til I pulled out the acetone. Just be careful not to get it on the fiberglass.

[NSV]

RE: White marks on rub rail

Would acetone work on vinyl also? My dog got some tar off the road on his paws and got in on our vinyl. I got most of it off but there are still stains on the vinyl that look like coffee stains. I have tried everything and now hoping the sun will bleach it out over time.

[patoloco]

That stuff is tough, acetone barely takes it off for me. I wised up and bought some guide pads with no printing on them to rub off.

Now if I could just find a place to buy that size of pipe insulation after it gets mangled. Nobody seems to carry that size.

[TwinTip]

Not to change subjects but I have also searched for the pipe insulation everywhere and have not been able to find it. Home Depot only carries smaller diameter insulation. I even removed the cover on two different sets of guide pads to try and get a manufacturer, no luck. Does anyone know where one can buy some insulation that is 2" in diameter (I think this is the correct size).

Back into the subject. I have heard that acetone takes care of it. I tried it once but it was very hard to remove all of the white marks. The best solution I have found is the same as Patoloco's. Get black guide pads with no letters. I have seen these on eBay if anyone is interested.

[darrel409]

To find larger diameter insulation try shops that carry dune buggy or sand rail parts. They use it to wrap the roll bars.

[Timber]

Thanks for the help guys!

[DavidF]

Acetone attacks rubber, so apply sparingly and you should be ok. Acetone will NOT harm the gelcoat in any way other than removing the wax. Acetone WILL attack the vinyl upholstery and should never be used on vinyl. It strips the plasticizers out of the vinyl. Acetone will attach the vinyl letter, pin striping, graphics etc, so keep it away

[Dr.John]

Not to change subjects but I have also searched for the pipe insulation everywhere and have not been able to find it. Home Depot only carries smaller diameter insulation. I even removed the cover on two different sets of guide pads to try and get a manufacturer, no luck. Does anyone know where one can buy some insulation that is 2" in diameter (I think this is the correct size).

Back into the subject. I have heard that acetone takes care of it. I tried it once but it was very hard to remove all of the white marks. The best solution I have found is the same as Patoloco's. Get black guide pads with no letters. I have seen these on eBay if anyone is interested.

If you have a CC dealer close by, ask them to save the shipping foam that covers the FCT's. I kept mine when I bought my tower, but then I'm a pack rat Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[Brewski*]

Xylene (XYLOL) works great on gelcoat, plastic and rubber. I use it to remove all rub spots on my boats. It does not like some vinal pinstripes/letters and will wipe off some types of cheap paint. On gelcoat it works great. Always test. Wear gloves and don't breath the fumes as with any thinner product. I dont use acetone on anything anymore. It eats up too many different materials.

[BigBald]

as far as insulation....try a plumber or piping supply store. That insulation is very common for them....but not for folks like Lows and Home Depot. Also, if you are really nice, you might get two 36" long pieces for free....worth a shot anyway.

Also, thanks for asking the question about the rub rail....I have got some marks that I need to clean off as well.

[SGY]

Wet sanding your rubrail will work as well. Start low--like 800 grit. Be gentle and finish at around 2000 grit.

NSV. Good question. I got some tar on my boat seats just yesterday. A truck went by and slinged hot tar on the gelcoat and the seats in the bow. I'm worried that it won't come off. Has anyone found a good cleaning solution for this? Please help.

[NautiqueJeff]

Speaking of tar, someone decided that it would be a good idea to walk around inside my boat at the Ohio reunion with tar on their feet. I just received enough new carpet to replace the damaged section. It looks terrible right now!

[NAUTIQUEjunky]

wd 40 RUB RAIL MARKS

WD-40 TAKES RUB RAIL MARKS OFF WITH EASE AND WONT DETERATE THE RUB RAIL , USE IT SPARINGLY ON THE VINYL FOLLOWED UP WITH SOME 303 AND IT WILL REMOVE TAR.. BE CARFUL THOUGH TAR WILL INSTANTLY STAIN LIGHT COLARED VINYL. NOT MUCH YOU CAN DO ONCE THIS HAPPENS BUT WAIT FOR THE SUN TO DO ITS MAGIC...