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Looking for advise on cleaning what cleaning products are the best to use. I just bought a 1990 that needs a little TLC. I would like to clean and protect the upholstry and bring the color back on the hull. I also need advise on how to bring a gray swim platform back to life. What would you guys suggest? Thanks for your help.
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I would use the 303 protectanct on the interior. For the exterior, I would try a good compound and see what happens. If this doesn't work, you can always wet sand the boat and it will look like new. The teak platform can be brought back to life with a teak cleaner and then some teak oil. I've even heard of some folks mixing teak oil with tranny fluid for better results (50%-50%) Good luck and enjoy the process. -
Swim Platform - Starbrite makes a 3 step kit including teak cleaner, brightener, and oil. I've used this product and it works great. When applying the cleaner, use a scrub brush and don't be afraid to scrub hard. Essentially, you're removing the top layer of the teak, which you will see come off.
Upholstery - I used "west marine vinyl cleaner" and scrubbed the cushsions with an abrasive sponge. Try the sponge with one green side (the abrasive side), and yellow on the other. (use the green side). It takes a little eblow grease, but it brings the cushions looking as good as new. Once clean, use the "303 Aerospace Protectent" with two or three coats. For maintenance, wipe the cushions down with a wet towel to remove the sun screen that accumulates on the cushions, and use one coat of the protectant every now and then.
Hull - I use Meguiar's color restorer, polish and wax. Seems to work very well with a random orbital polisher/ waxer.Comment
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I was just discussing cleaning the upholstery with my dealer and he provides and suggests using Fantastic spary wash -- its in the same aisle as 409, they were great. I tried it tonight and it looks pretty good -- not "new" but acceptable. Hope this helps.Comment
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All,
In the literature that came with my 2004 216. Fantastic and 409 were on the NOT list. I will scan and post the litterature.Comment
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Last week after much consideration of what products to use and the variety of different ones on the market, I picked up a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I have an impecable interior and I clean and protect it every three-four times out. I used these "erasers" and I couldn't believe the ground-in dirt that came out of the vinyl. Awesome stuff. Follow it up with a heavy coat of Meguiar's Vinyl Protectant. As far as the hull goes, use 3M cleaner wax with an orbital or high speed buffer. It has a good grit to cut the dirt. Follow that up by a coat (or two) of Meguiar's Premium Wax. A bit of elbow grease, but WELL worth it....Comment
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+1 on the Magic Erasers. My vinyl had a lot of dirt and a little bit of mold and the magic erasers worked great. I used a damp microfiber towel after cleaning with the magic eraser and my vinyl looks like new.
Followed it up with 303 protectant.
Nothing I have tried in the past cleaned the vinyl as well as the magic erasers. I would suggest using some type of vinyl cleaner first to get most of the dirt and mold off first and use the magic eraser for final cleaning.Comment
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This past weekend, I used "Spray Nine" for the first time to get out all the mildew from a wetter than usual winter here in Austin. I was amazed how easily Spray Nine removed the mildew and dirt and made my old vinyl look as good as possible. I followed it up with 303.
Spray Nine seemed to have a feel and smell that was similiar to Fantastic and 409...sweet and soapy. I picked up Spray Nine in the marine section at Academy.Comment
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Becker:
I believe the factory as well as the vinyl manufacture only recommend "Fantastic" for cleaning. That is what they use at the factory and the service centers, maybe Frost can confirm/deny.
ChrisComment
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I noticed above there was discussion of the yellow/green sponge and to use the green side. Keep in mind I am a rookie as some of you on this but I would think the abrasive side of the sponge would damage the clear coat on the vinyl? I don't know if that is just one of those sales pitches, but my dealer (marginal) says there is a clear coat to help protect the vinyl. Anything used other than fantastic voids warranty -- however how would they know?
I think there is consensus on the 303 after its clean. I have contemplated what "was" to use on the upper deck and transom. Some mention mcguires and 3M, I used Zymol on my car, and Zaine Brothers on my expedition. I will keep doing the research.Comment
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Last fall I asked one of the Zaino brothers whether Zaino products would be alright on gelcoat, he said they would work just fine.Comment
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All,
I dug through my boat file and found the Marine Specialty Group Literature that Correct Craft provides with the purchase of a new Nautique.
If you look at Marine Specialty Groups Website (http://www.marinespecialtiesgroup.com) they have this information in the products tab. Has cleaning recommendations for all kinds of stains.
Jeff, sorry for the file size, but below this it was impossible to read.Comment
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