deck discoloration

[jdupree]

I have just recently purchased a 1988 osprey 170.  The boat appears to be in great shape.  I am new to this site and I am looking forward to the amount of info that all of you have.  The deck in my boat is grey like most.  I have noticed that the section where the wiring harness is under appears to be darker than the rest of the deck.  The same is true with one of the storage bin tops up front.  The deck overall is excellent and solid but does have some darker discoloration.  Does anyone know what to use on the deck to remove this discloration and lighten up the deck like it should be?  Thanks for the advance input and I am excited about this site.

John Dupree

[John Jones]

Not sure what kind of stains or discoloration you might have.  Starbrite Hull Cleaner will remove a lot of stuff.  It's main ingredient is oxalic acid.  Bleach sometimes works.  Best I have found for rust stains is a $2 can of Barkeepers Friend from the supermarket.  Just remember that most any strong cleaner takes the wax off.

[jdupree]

Thank you for your response.  I have heard of the starbright hull cleaner but have never tried it on the deck.  The discloration does not appear to be rust stains it just a darker haze.  Thanks again.

John Dupree

[RickK]

Welcome aboard John, another member of the 170 club.    
Does it look like someone has recoated those panels?  Can you post some pix of what you're talking about - there's a lot of experience here that may be able to help if they see what you're trying to explain.

[JimCt]

Possible the darker pieces were replacements?

[warthog5]

As Jim said is possible.

I usually wet the deck and then pour spot's of stright household bleech on the deck and start scrubbing. If you use a nylon bristle brush, be sure to rince it extra good when done. The bleech will break down the nylon.

[JimCt]

If the darker parts are indeed replacements, it's more than likely the gel coat pigment mix may be just slightly off.  Unless tight pigment formulation control was maintained at the plant (unlikely), cleaning or bleaching probably won't help much.  Give it a try though...

[jdupree]

Thanks to all for the great input.  I never thought of using bleach.  Will it take off the grey?  If that doesn't work I will just leave it alone.  Not that much of a big deal.  Just a question a little off the subject.  The motor is a 1989 Johnson 90hp.  Will it push the 170 pretty good?  I performed a compression check on the motor before I purchased it.  It was between 90 to 95 lbs per cylinder.  Is that good?  I can really see that this is a great site that I am happy to have joined :)

[JimCt]

Try the bleach fix in an area that's hidden so you can get a feel for how it works.

Engine should be fine.  WOT at rated RPM's and not a lot of extra weight in the boat should deliver 34++ mph.

If the motor is new to you and you aren't absolutely positive about it's service history, replace the water pump and drain/refill the gearcase.  Carbs should be checked too. It's cheap insurance.