Black Streaks

[jrc]

Has anybody found a way to prevent or reduce black streaks on their boats? I know how to get them off, either "Black Streak Remover" or a cleaning wax will usually do the job. But come next week they are back.

I've heard all kinds of causes but none seem to be perfect. I've heard it comes from the jets and planes, my slip is near the airport but everyone isn't near an airport. I've heard it come from the canvas but my streak are also far away from the canvas.

[brk-lnt]

Compound, polish, wax, clean weekly...

I'm admittedly a few weeks behind on my routine. The streaks seem to be most attracted to older gelcoat that is more oxidized, so the polish and wax will help keep them at bay.

[Tank151]

Compound, polish, wax, clean weekly...

I'm admittedly a few weeks behind on my routine. The streaks seem to be most attracted to older gelcoat that is more oxidized, so the polish and wax will help keep them at bay.

As brk-Int stated....rubbing compound, elbow grease and wax, wax, wax. Make sure you use a boat rubbing compound - better on Gel Coat.

[jrc]

It's a new boat, so it has nothing to do with old gel-coat. As far as I can tell wax and/or rubbing compound (wax with abrasive) don't prevent the streaks. They do remove them very well.

I'm way too lazy to wax the boat every week.

[Knomad]

Back streaks usually show up along the edge of your canvas especially where the snaps are. I haven't figured a way to stop it from happening, but Meguiar's Black Streak Remover does a good job of cleaning them off.

[brk-lnt]

Polish and then wax, will help to smooth out the gelcoat. A weekly wipedown should help the accumulation. There may be nothing you can do to completely prevent them though.

A weekly wipedown with a quickdetailer (like Adams or Poorboys) would probably help as well.

[Cal]

Plain old ordinary Windex wipes mine right off;)

[Sman]

I'm way too lazy to wax the boat every week.

LOL :laugh:, I first read Compound, polish, wax, clean weekly... the same way

I think... the only "weekly" brk-int meant was "wash" if not I must be lazy too or brk-int is a waxing maniac, can't imagine why you would compound and wax weekly

I have the black marks too, will be trying windex, thanks Cal, just like the guy in big fat greek wedding, if you haven't seen the movie that won't make much sense:rolleye2:

[lakershaker]

Would using windex on the fiberglass break down and remove the wax? Just thinking of all the stuff windex removes from the window - I would be worried if it took off the wax I get around to putting on in the Spring.

[VitaBene]

LOL :laugh:, I first read the same way

I think... the only "weekly" brk-int meant was "wash" if not I must be lazy too or brk-int is a waxing maniac, can't imagine why you would compound and wax weekly

I have the black marks too, will be trying windex, thanks Cal, just like the guy in big fat greek wedding, if you haven't seen the movie that won't make much sense:rolleye2:

Windex will take your wax off along with the black streaks (but I think no wax looks better than black streaks!)

[Dave R]

I was looking through the latest issue of Boating magazine and learned that Meridian Yachts uses internal gutters on the topsides of their 441 motor yacht to pipe the rain water overboard via a drain under the swim platform, specifically to prevent black streaks. Thought it was clever and it sort of answers the question: "Has anybody found a way to prevent or reduce black streaks on their boats?"

I also learned that the 441 will plane at only 11 MPH. I imagine it would be awesome for wakeboarding up in quiet coves, like Winter Harbor. :D

[VtSteve]

I've found that traditional wax doesn't do much for the boat, especially the carnuba varieties. This year I polished and sealed the boat. Every so often while on the hook at the beach area, I use a soft boat brush or terry sponge to wipe away anything. With the exception of May/June, the boat has stayed surprisingly clean this summer. And so far, I've only put on 32 hours :(

I think Saturday will be mask/snorkel/fins day to spend some quality time with the bottom of the boat.

[jrc]

what did you use to polish and seal

[dpg]

Google "five star shine" see what you think.

[VtSteve]

what did you use to polish and seal

I used Gel Coat Labs products this year. A final coat was Flagship Premium wax.

Properboatcare.com

I'm also going to sample some Leverage products if I get the chance.

[jrc]

Google "five star shine" see what you think.

I think it looks expensive. I'd have to hear some really good testimonials from independent sources before I spent that kind of money on polish/sealant.

It does sound good. Have you tried it?

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Paint the boat to match the streaks ;)

[dpg]

I think it looks expensive. I'd have to hear some really good testimonials from independent sources before I spent that kind of money on polish/sealant.

It does sound good. Have you tried it?

I have used it on a car before and the website doesn't do it justice. Although I have never used it on a boat before I would guess it would need to be used on a newer one with a better finish to start off with. Not much works on a chaulked gel-coat finish until you remove the fading first.

Actually, this product for what it does is not expensive. It's the same, no better than the protectant a new car dealer offers and they get like 3 or 4 hundred. Yeah I know dealerships are expensive for everything.

[brk-lnt]

what did you use to polish and seal

I use a lot of Poorboys products on my cars/trucks and boat.