Grey coating and how to remove??? Props, rams, etc
 

I have seen this grey coating on props and such but have a boat that had this applied to the rams, drive as well as the prop. Then just got in another prop that has it.

First question, what is it exactly? And whats the best way to remove???

I assume its worthwhile in the salt but here in freshwater it just kills the looks and its gotta go.

Mineral deposits, Muriatic acid will take it right off. Spray it on, let it fizz, rinse it off. You're props will look brand new in 30 seconds. I take mine off the boat to avoid getting the acid on the drives.

Are you using straight muriatic acid or cutting it?

Your kidding?! I swear it looks like its a coating. I know mineral spirits wont phase it, I'll give the acid a shot tonight.

If that is the case more props to you saltwater guys on keeping your stuff lookin' good! And here I thought a little hull discoloration from the dirty lake (fresh) water was bad lol

The works bathroom cleaner will do the trick

Use it strait from a spray bottle, rinse immediatly. You could cut it and get the same results, but the contact time is so minimal that there will be no damage to the finish.

I have gotten the same "coating" from fresh water too, and depending on how long it's been on there have been unsuccessful with works. Muriatic acid works every time and requires almost no effort.

I've always cut it 50/50.

CLR bathroom cleaner works as well.

Just remember if you have an aluminum trailer to not let the acid come in contact with it. It can make for messy black streaks on the aluminum.

CLR or Lime Away do a wonderful job on mineral deposits - and are a heck of a lot less destructive than Muriatic Acid - depending on the concentration. Besides, they're available just about anywhere.

Try vinigar (mild acid) before throwing anything more harsh at it. I use it all the time to clean my stainless tips.

Most of the cleaners are an acid base. Hydrochloric and muiratic acids are the same thing.

I get the same mineral build up. If you are on a dock or rafted to boats with bad grounding systems you will get it faster. I use acid to take it off. Hull Cleaner is about a 4% solution of acid, You can buy up to 20% acid in the swimming pool section of a hardware store or at a brick supply store. How much you cut it down depends on how much crud you have, how much you want to scrub, and how fast you can do damage to something you did not want to get acid on. I usually use about 4- 10% acid. I spray it on my out drives and have been doing so for 15 years with no problems. After cleaning rinse well with soapy water to neutralize the acid. 20% acid will instantly etch concrete and the fumes will rip your nose off. My preferred method is to take the boat for a run after cleaning, then I know it is all rinsed off really well and it gives me a reason to burn gas.

+2 for normal household vinegar(acetic acid). My boat stays in for the summer and anything stainless will get the mineral deposits. Drop the props in a bucket of vinegar, and by morning they will look as new.Upside is it is cheap. Less than 2 bucks a gallon.

wow you guys were right. what looked like a perfect grey coating was indeed just mineral deposits - looked just like a rough primer.

Used the weaker acid from home depot (they sell the good stuff outside by the way). Used the weaker stuff at full strength since the props were off. Sprayed on and by the time I picked up the hose it was already done. I would definatly recommend cutting even this stuff down to risk harming anything.

If I use CLR, vinegar, etc can I expect painted surfaces like drives to turnout ok? Or will they likely need a repaint?

I've used Lime Away at least 3-4 times a season for 19 years on the mid section of my Mercury outboard to remove mineral deposits. It still looks like new.

Mineral deposits from lake water. I have used this product for 11 years now on about 50 boats a year. It will not harm rubber bellows, trim cyc. seals or prop shaft seals and so on but will clean the heck out off any deposits baked on your outdrive, prop, rams, ect.

Its called outdrive cleaner by the makers of Nautical Ease. They tell me it is not an acid base of any sort. Don't get it on any cuts or in your eyes. Man it burns. Also important after U use the sprayer app. make sure U wash it out / spray it with clean water because it will not work the next day.

They have other products as well but I have really not used them just the outdrive cleaner and the bottom cleaner inwhich is very strong plus works well also.

www.nauticalease.com

Ask for Jim they are out of Michigan. This is the best stuff I ever used. I also sell it retail but order it thru Michigan if you like. Good luck