My deck including non-skid areas needs a thorough cleaning with rubbing compound or something like it and probably some wax protection. The person I learned sailing (and maintenance) from was a believer that you don't clean non-skid with anything but boat soap and water for fear of it becommin slipery. That was many years ago and I figure materials have improved by now and my deck is showing signs of chaulking.
What do our members use to:
1. aggressively remove chaulking and dirt? Is rubbing compound ok? how do you apply it and remove it on nonskid? brush, rough rag?
2. protect it? I assume waxes would be too slipery? Is there a specialized wax?
Thanks
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
I use a product I believe its from Starbright called deck cleaner with ptf teflon that seems to work
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
This year used a pressure washer first time It was great.
Ray Kalinsky Little Miss Magic
Try Softscrub.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
+1 for Starbright with PTF. It works well.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Mequiars Non skid cleaner by all means is far better than anything I have used.
Mark Middleton
S/V Lunacy
SW Michigan
2002 C36 MK II TR WK M35B
A sailing buddy had his 36 MKI looking like brand new so I asked what his secret was. A product called Woody Wax which also has a deck cleaner recommended and both are available through West Marine. Really easy to use and the results are amazing. This is specifically for your non skid but the deck cleaner Woody Wax recommends does a great job on the smooth as well as the non skid, and then the PTF wax sold by West Marine works just fine on the smooth surfaces. You have to follow the instructions including the final fresh water rinse, and then dry with a towel. The non skid may still be a bit slippery but not for long. Bug juice and bird droppings, and just plain dirt are real easy to clean off after this product has been applied. He used it just prior to layup for winter and did not use a boat cover. Then again in late spring he gave it a coat after launch. I have used it twice and consider it to be a special marine product find.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgujJ4grAbg[/url]
Some more info via video
also
[url]http://www.woody-wax.com/[/url]
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
I, too, use Woody Wax on the entire deck and like the result and the ease of application. If you do it frequently enough, bird stains don't seem to be so hard to clean off.
I have never had a problem with the non-skid being slippery if you follow the application instructions.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/