How to remove bird manure and apply Sure Step

Skipper February 26, 2013 Ask The Skipper

Ron Dee asked:

Hi I purchased Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub and Sure Step I have a 23 year old sail boat with a lot of bird manure on the cabin top. Do I wet the deck? Then which is best to clean first? I read the containers but would like advice on the best way to approach this and the best cleaning procedure.

Answer:

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Use a hose and blast as much of the bird poop off as you can. Next spray Boat Clean Plus on the surface and slosh it around with a mop or sponge on the smooth parts and deck brush on the non-skid areas. Allow the cleaner to work for about 15 or 20 minutes, making sure that it does not dry out. Give it a scrub with the mop or Marine Power Mitt if you have one and deck brush and rinse it clean. Depending on how much bird poop you have and how long it’s been on there, you may have to repeat it several times until you get it off.

Now you can use the Boat Scrub with a Marine Power Mitt or sponge on the smooth parts and a deck brush on the non-skid areas. Scrub it well in all directions until the surface is clean and smooth and shiny. Rinse it clean and allow the surface to dry. Again, because of the age of your boat and depending on the condition, you may have to repeat the process until you get the surface to the condition and appearance that is acceptable to you. Remember, preparation is the most important part. If the surface is chalky, dirty or streaky, the Sure Step will only enhance these flaws. If the surface is clean and shiny, the Sure Step will seal in and enhance these properties.

Apply the Sure Step with a small 2″ foam paint roller, being sure to spread the product out as much as you can and push it into the pores of the gelcoat to seal it. When it dries, buff off the haze with the Sure Step Buffing Wheel on the end of a portable drill, using the edge of the Buffing Wheel, not the flat surface, to reveal a beautiful shine.

Go sailing and show off your boat.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar