Press Article - Båtmagasinet

Words & Photos : ATLE KNUTSEN We tested five products that clean the water line. All are acid based, but the differences in working time and effectiveness are huge. Prices also vary a lot, but for once there is a relationship between price and quality. Dirty water lines are nasty looking, and cleaning them can be a laborious job on a large boat if you do not have the proper cleaners available. We tested five different products. Four of them are specifically designed for cleaning of waterlines and removal of barnacles, while the fifth product is a strong wash which is also marketed for use on boats and the cleaning of gel coat. All products are acid based. How we tested: The test was conducted on an older boat with a severely yellowed waterline. We taped up five equal areas and then applied the various products, first once, then again after ten minutes and let them work for 30 minutes. Both Renskib and Grunt have a recommended time of 30 minutes, while the other products require less time. After 30 minutes we washed the treated area with water according to each user instructions, using a new cloth for each product. The working temperature in the workshop was about 10°C at the time of testing. Selaclean fastest – Grunt most thorough. The barnacle and waterline cleaner from Selaclean was clearly the fastest in the test. The cleaner is sprayed on with a spray bottle. After just a few minutes the yellow stain started to disappear, and within 30 minutes everything was gone. Other dirt was however still there. Selacleans product has relatively high hydrochloric acid content. Grunt was significantly less effective at the start. The cleaner has the consistency similar to glue and is applied with a brush. But despite a slow start, the cleaner proved to be the most effective. After 30 minutes it removed all the dirt, even the dirt Selacleans barnacle and waterline cleaner left. Grunt definitely does the best job. Wash All Extreme is a good wash, and dissolves both the yellow staining and other dirt, but requires you to scrub it away with a sponge. Does not measure up. Waterline Cleaner Shark Bite claim to be “Sharpest gel coat cleaner there is!” on the bottle. That’s not true. Both Grunt and Selaclean are more effective products. Danish Renskibs Yellow Stain & Barnacle Remover did not measure up. It was not possible to see any difference on the treated area after 30 minutes. As reviewed in Båtmagasinet – Norways leading boating magazine, May 2014. Grunt Won! Grunt Won! TEST WINNER! TEST WINNER: Grunt does not work as fast as Selaclean, but the cleaner is the most effective and removes all dirt. LOUSY EFFECT: Renskib Stain & Barnacle Remover has no visible effect after 30 minutes. WASHED OFF WITH WATER: After 30 minutes we washed the treated area with a clean cloth and water. Dealer Information Product Wholesaler / Manufacturer Grunt boat cleaner www.boatbuddy.no Renskib Yellow Stain & Barnacle Remover www.renskib.dk Selaclean rur- og vannlinjeclaner www.krefting.no Sharkbite Waterline Cleaner www.watski.no Wash All Extreme www.drakechemicals.no www.gruntboatcleaner.net As reviewed in Båtmagasinet – Norways leading boating magazine, May 2014. READY FOR TEST: A dirty, yellowed waterline was applied five different products with widely varying effect. NO DOUBT: Grunt is clearly the most effective product, and does the job for you. Sharkbite and Selaclean is also effective products. Test Facts Product Active substance Amount Price Rating Grunt boat cleaner phosphoric 1.0 l 300 – Test Winner! Seems slower than Selaclean, but removes all dirt. Renskib Yellow Stain & Barnacle Remover Citrus Acid 1.0 l DKR 129, – Test Loser! No visible effect. Selaclean barnacles and vannlinjeclaner Hydrochloric acid 1.0 l 129, – Best of yellowed waterline. Seems the fastest, but is not as thorough as Grunt. Shark Bite Water Line Cleaner oxalic acid 0.5L 219, – Effective, but does not work as fast as Selaclean. Wash All Extreme Sodium hydroxide 1.0 l 174, – Works, but requires scrubbing. (caustic soda) www.gruntboatcleaner.net