Removing "skid marks" from gelcoat?

[Mexico Mike]

After a close encounter with a commercial wharf here in Rarotonga, we have some pretty ugly black rubber souveniers on the topsides. What's the best, easiest, and least destructive way to clean them off?
Thanks in advance for all suggestions!

Mike 'n Barb
s/v Arabella

[Repawn]

I have had pretty good luck with a magic eraser - just need a little water and a lot of elbow grease. Much better than having to resort to chemicals.

[Mexico Mike]

Sorry, but no savvy "magic eraser". A thing for erasing magic markers perhaps? Pretty sure they don't stock them at the local stores here but will look.
Actually was hoping for a less labor intensive solution- chemicals can be your friend sometimes, I've always believed. Was considering trying rubbing alcohol, maybe wd40, something that won't eat the gelcoat like maybe acetone would. Anybody else have a suggestion?

Mike

[Repawn]

Clean Walls and Erase Set-In Dirt with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

Thought I would post a link - it is a US product - not sure of availability anywhere else.

[Paul Elliott]

I use acetone and a rag to remove dock-marks from the gelcoat. Acetone is a reasonably safe solvent (compared to benzene, for example), and it seems to do no damage to the gelcoat.

[Maddog]

MEK works for me.

[Mexico Mike]

OK, there is a builder's supply store here, I'm on my way. Appreciate the replys. It was a big ole truck tire that got me, and a big ole black ugly round area, bootstripe to rail, to clean. Didn't want to waste all day with trial and error when I could tap into this great fount of knowledge!
I'll try the solvent method. The Mr. Clean deal sounds abrasive, and the gelcoat is already getting thin on this old boat...
Mike

[knottybuoyz]

Originally Posted by Mexico Mike

I'll try the solvent method. The Mr. Clean deal sounds abrasive, and the gelcoat is already getting thin on this old boat...

The Magic Erasers are abrasive Mike! They will remove any wax and sheen that's left in your gelcoat but mano, they work well. For black rubber try the acetone first. Soak the rag well and hold it on the black spot for awhile to give the solvent a chance to work. A little elbow grease is gonna be required as well! Good Luck!

[Mexico Mike]

OK, the store didn't stock the magic thingies or acetone, but had an MEK type solvent. Took off the grease spots but didn't touch the rubber. Tried rubbing alchohol, "fantastic", an oxalic acid gel, and finally achieved success with softscrub con bleach. Took some gelcoat with it, and I definitly need to rewax, but got the uglies off.
I just realized how odd that I've owned boats all my life, and this boat for over four years, and never had to take skid marks off before. I must be pretty anal about not bumping docks!

Thanks again for all the tips,
Mike