Name:	Otter -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/6/2018 1:44:47 PM

I have a 23 foot tripple toon that needs the pontoons pressure cleaned but I don't have a trailer.  I used to take it to Chuck's Marina every spring and Greg would lift it out of the water and their maintenance guy would clean the pontoons, that is, until the EPA or someone stopped Chuck's from performing this serice.  Since then i've been going to one of the Russell Marina's but they are always so booked up in the spring it is a hassle getting in.

Does anyone know a smaller marina on the lake that would have the trailer/lift to be able to pull the boat out and pressure clean, or, someone that can come to my ramp with their trailer and pressure cleaner?  If not, I'll just have to keep doing the Russell Marina thing.

Thanks,

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/8/2018 9:45:15 AM

The best way to. Clean them is not a pressure washer, but a chemical wash. You can purchase a gallon of hydroflouric acid for about $20 that will dilute to 25 gallons or so. Use a garden sprayer to apply and watch the scum just  melt off the metal. Rinse with a simple garden hose. The thicker the scum the stronger solution needed but if you have been having it done regularly it should be easy. You can rent a hydraulic lift pontoon trailer for about 75 bucks or so. Easy DIY project.

Im sure it was the chemical use that got them busted by the EPA. It must have been in an area with direct runoff into the lake. As a consumer you can use it, but preferably away from the lake.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/8/2018 10:53:10 AM

Where does one purchase the acid?  I had mine done by Steve when he had the place on 49 and agree the scum just drops off, leaving clean tubes.

Also, any suggestions on how to lift the boat off the bunks far enough that the entire tube can be treated?

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/8/2018 11:18:32 AM (updated 4/8/2018 11:23:33 AM)

Buy gallon of aluminum etchant from the Car parts store in Dadeville.  Apply with garden sprayer.

Buy 3M Doodlebug handle and blue pad(s).  Suggest Ebay.  Get white pad for bathroom cleaning also.  Handy!

Spray/wipe even & let chemical work.  White foam means you are melting aluminum.  Scrub and rinse.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/8/2018 7:05:15 PM

I usually get. Mine at Moores in Dade ill but it is sold most anywhere that carries boat supplies/equipment. It is sold under the name brand Toon Brite, among others. The only key difference is concentration. That's why I try to find just plain hydroflouric acid. At full strength it can be diluted 32-1.thomas auto parts also carries it, Academy Sports I believe has it also. I'm sure you can buy it online also, just check active ingredients before purchase. Hydroflouric Acid is the key..

As for under the bunks, that's a little tougher. I usually just saturate it and let it sit and soak a while. Not very efficient but the only other alternative is to jack the boat up off the bunks. Not a particularly easy task, but it can be done. You only need a small gap for acid to run between the Toon and the bunk.

Name:	jcope -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/10/2018 9:36:53 PM

Spray from the bottom up to reduce the possibility of streaking.

Name:	jcope -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/10/2018 9:37:53 PM

Spray from the bottom up to reduce the possibility of streaking.

Name:	jcope -	Reply
Subject:	Recommendation for Pontoon Pressure Clean
Date:	4/10/2018 9:37:55 PM

Spray from the bottom up to reduce the possibility of streaking.