Spring Cleaning

[Capt_J]

I'll be doing the regular boat prep for the upcoming year and am interested in your opinion: I will be replacing some caulking around several hatches and other items. I am seeing mold growth in some of the existing caulking. Would 3M 4200 be a good choice for replacement? has anyone used 4200 and seen mold growth.
I regularly clean with mild detergents and I avoid using bleach on the gelcoat as much as possible (maybe that is part of the problem). The boat stays covered when not used and the cover is treated canvas (somewhat breathable) with a vent pole midship to facilitate circulation/venting. Maybe it's just to much spilled beer...

[Reel Cowboy]

I don't know about the caulking, but the best way to store a boat is to have it shrink wrapped (I've done several before the office job). Only problem is you can't recover it with doing it all over again.

[RD]

If the caulking is still good then use some bleach or TileX and clean it,it will not hurt your gelcoat,I use straight pool clorine. Most of us use 5200 if we want it to stay,Boatlife if it is something that might have to be replaced.

[Capt_J]

RD: the caulking(some, not all) appears to have mold growing 'into' the caulk. I've put bleach on the caulk areas
and while it definitely helps with the surface, I can't seem to get the 'down deep' crud out. I've not had this problem
before and I'm wondering if I have some defective caulking. Regardless, it is looking like my best solution is
to remove the existing caulk, clean up the areas, and recaulk. I'll give the Boatlife a try, is it available
at BPS? thanks all.

[Barhopr]

use black 5200. you'll never see the mold again.

[Capt_J]

...black 5200....works for me....now if I can just find some.

[RD]

...black 5200....works for me....now if I can just find some.

Try Walmart or ACE