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Messing about in the bilge...

Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 9:09 pm
by tnltracy
"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats"

I am learning more and more to live by this phrase...

Spent the afternoon cleaning the bilge today. First mate was extremely helpful in handling the manual pump as I cleaned 30+ years of scum and sludge from under the sole. She surely needed it, and I can now see the keel bolts for the first time. She smells a bit more fresh than she has since joining the family, so mission accomplished I think.

better than mowing the lawn or pulling weeds in the garden ANY day!!

Re: Messing about in the bilge...

Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 11:25 am
by Riki
Our bilge needs some cleaning, but we're new to boats and are looking for advice on any products that work. I've heard bleach, vinegar with some lemon, Tide among all the other name brands. What did you use and were you happy with the results?

Re: Messing about in the bilge...

Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 4:12 pm
by tnltracy
I don't have the brand handy, but a gallon of "Bilge Cleaner" and a few buckets of water. I had bought from Defender at their warehouse sale last year.

Worked fine with a stiff bristle brush to loosen dried on stuff, with a sponge for wipe down.

Re: Messing about in the bilge...

Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 10:46 pm
by Craig
I have used a steam pressure cleaner on a really grimy, filthy, greasy bilge with great results. Without the steam cleaner I would have needed to use enough chemicals to need to call in the EPA. It was great and left everything clean and smelling good without chemicals. Does a great job on mold as well.

Re: Messing about in the bilge...

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 11:10 am
by tnltracy
We still have 'bilge scent' even with the recent cleaning. I'm sure there's stuff up under the sole, but still surprised how much she still Mel's. More of a sour scent now... Any tips in addition/ instead of a full steam bath that may be a quick fix based on experience?

We generally hav 1/2 inch or so of remnant water in bilge, I believe it's primarily rain water, not sea water as were quite dry at the shaft seal. I have to gone as far as sponging out water, just keep it pumped as low as the manual bilge will get it.