genoa staining

[waltpm]

I have been trailing my 26x for many years with the furled genoa tied to the mast. After a while I noticed that the side of the UV strip on the leech and foot, that was on the outside when furled, had a continuous black stain. Apparently this is from rubbing on the aluminum mast (same discoloration you get on your hands handling non anodized aluminum). II have tried washing with all the common cleaners, soap, simple green, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions for removing the stain without damaging the sailcloth?

Walt

[NiceAft]

Walt,

Try contacting these people to find out if their product (Slimy Grimy) will do the job you require. slimygrimy@slimygrimy.com Here is their website. http://www.slimygrimy.com/

It sounds like the stains are aluminum oxide. Their product is used to brighten aluminum doors, but the question is whether or not it is safe for sails? Hopefully they can answer that question.

Ray

[vizwhiz]

You might try hydrogen peroxide also. It sometimes works on blood, rust, and other metal-based stains that other cleaners don't help. It might bleach the dark stripe if you get it on there, though...

[waltpm]

Thanks, I will try both of these ideas as soon as it stops raining, and the sun comes out again. Boat was hauled out two days ago and I'm waiting for some decent weather to get it cleaned up.

Walt