Your boat’s hull is the part of your boat that is most prone to staining and corrosion due to its constant contact with the water and elements. Due to this, cleaning and maintaining the hull on a regular basis is vital to keeping your boat in tip-top shape.
However, finding the best boat hull cleaner can be a challenge due to a wide range of products available on the market. In addition to this, you also need to consider several factors when choosing the right cleaner for your boat hull.
To help you choose the best one for your boat, I have created a review of some of the best hull cleaners on the market, detailing their best and worst features. Moreover, I have also listed down all the things you need to take into account when choosing the best hull cleaner for boats.
Table of Contents
- Best Boat Hull Cleaner Reviews of 2023
- 1. Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner
- 2. MaryKate On and Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner
- 3. Star Brite EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner
- 4. Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner
- 5. Bio-Kleen M01609 Fiberglass Acid Hull Cleaner
- 6. MaryKate Aluminex Pontoon and Hull Cleaner
- 7. BOOYAH Clean Boat Cleaning Gallon Duo
- 8. MaryKate On and Off Gel Hull Cleaner
- 9. Slimy Grimy Granular
- 10. Sudbury 2032 All-Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner
- What to Look for When Buying a Boat Hull Cleaner
- Other Important Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Boat Hull Cleaner Reviews of 2023
1. Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner
True to its name, the Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner is a cleaner that was designed to remove unsightly stains and dirt immediately upon contact with your hull’s surface.
What I loved about the Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner is that its formula is designed to quickly remove stains in a safe and effective manner. This is because unlike other cleaners with the same effect, the Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner contains no harmful acids which can damage and strip off the protective layers of delicate surfaces like fiberglass hulls.
With the Starbrite hull cleaner, you can remove those unsightly waterline, rust, or leaf stains from your boat hull without worrying about any damage it may cause to your hull’s surface.
Additionally, I also liked that it can even be used on other surfaces like metal and painted ones. This makes it versatile enough to be used even for the other parts of your boat.
Another thing I loved about this Starbrite hull cleaner is that it’s extremely easy to use; you just need to wipe it on your boat hull then rinse after several minutes. The lack of the need for heavy scrubbing is also a plus as it saves me a lot of time and effort in cleaning such a large surface.
- Its wipe-on, rinse-off design makes it easy to use
- No harsh chemicals which make it safe for use on a variety of surfaces
- Doesn’t require scrubbing
- Instant cleaning action
- Requires more than one application for more stubborn stains
2. MaryKate On and Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner
If you’re looking for a more powerful hull cleaner, then the MaryKate On and Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner might be the one for you.
What I loved about the MaryKate cleaner is that it’s an acid-based cleaner which is specially formulated to thoroughly clean your boat’s hull, especially those tough-to-remove stains that can’t be removed by other cleaners.
I also loved how safe it is to use for fiberglass hulls, especially for its gel coat. The MaryKate cleaner is formulated so it deep cleans your hull’s gel coat, ensuring that all stains are thoroughly removed.
Moreover, I also liked the easy-to-use nature of this cleaner. With its brush-on, rinse-off design, the MaryKate cleaner makes cleaning your boat hull easier and hassle-free. It can also soften barnacle rings and zebra mussels for easier removal later on.
- The brush-on, rinse-off formula makes it easy to apply and use
- Highly effective at removing even the toughest stains
- Comes with a multipurpose formulation which is especially effective for fiberglass cleaning
- It’s made of non-biodegradable ingredients, so it’s not safe for use while on or near the water
3. Star Brite EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner
Another Starbrite hull cleaner, the Star Brite EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner is a specially formulated water-based and environment-friendly cleaner that effectively removes stains and dirt without the use of harsh acids.
What I loved about this hull cleaner is that it’s powerful enough to remove all those unsightly rust stains and scum lines quickly and efficiently. Aside from that, it’s also gentle enough as it doesn’t damage the delicate gel coat of your fiberglass hull.
This, coupled with its biodegradable and water-based formula which makes it safe for use while on or near water, makes the Star Brite EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner the best fiberglass boat hull cleaner on the market.
Additionally, it is also easy to apply and rinse off which makes the entire cleaning process of your boat hull even easier and less of a hassle.
The downside with the Star Brite EZ-ON EZ-OFF Hull & Bottom Cleaner is that despite being incredibly diluted, it still contains acids which might irritate your skin when it comes into contact with it.
Aside from that, it is also not applicable for use on metal surfaces such as aluminum hulls, so you’re better off going with another cleaner if that’s the type of hull that you have.
- Its wipe-on, rinse-off formula makes it easy to use
- Highly effective at cleaning those tough stains and dirt
- Your fiberglass boat hull remains safe and protected despite its strong formula
- It’s environment-friendly and safe for use while on or near the water
- It still contains acids so it can be harsh on exposed skin
- It can’t be used on aluminum boat hulls
4. Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner
If you’re looking for a boat hull cleaner that’s tough on stains but versatile enough for use on multiple surfaces, then the Better Boat Instant Hull Cleaner for Fiberglass and Painted Boats is the one for you.
The Better Boat instant hull cleaner was designed to work immediately upon contact with the stained surface, cleaning it thoroughly and efficiently. By removing the stains and discoloration on your boat’s hull, it effectively restores it to its former glory.
What I loved the most about the Better Boat instant hull cleaner is the versatile nature that enables you to use it not only on fiberglass surfaces but also on aluminum, other metals, and even painted surfaces. It’s also safe enough to use on a fiberglass boat hull’s gel coat.
I also loved how easy it was to apply it on my boat hull; you can choose between using a sponge or sprayer to apply it to the surface. The same went with the removal for you only have to rinse it off after letting it sit for two minutes.
The Better Boat instant hull cleaner’s easy application makes everything quick, easy, and hassle-free. This allows me to enjoy more time on my boat rather than under it.
Additionally, I also liked how fast this hull cleaner takes to remove stains and dirt. You only need one application, even for the toughest of stains.
- Immediately works upon contact with your boat’s hull surface
- Requires only one application for it to work, even on tougher stains
- Can be used on several different surfaces, making it versatile and a great value for money
- It has a strong smell that can be off-putting
5. Bio-Kleen M01609 Fiberglass Acid Hull Cleaner
If you’re the type who hates scrubbing but don’t want to use abrasive cleaners on your boat hull, then the Bio-Kleen M01609 Fiberglass Acid Hull Cleaner is the hull cleaner for you.
The Bio-Kleen M01609 hull cleaner is a commercial-strength, acid-based cleaner that is strong enough to handle the various dirt and stains on your boat hull without the need for vigorous scrubbing.
What I loved about this cleaner is that despite having commercial-grade strength, it’s still safe to use on boat hulls. It’s particularly excellent when used on aluminum boat hulls and pontoons.
Moreover, I love that it has a biodegradable and non-aerosol formula that is still environment-friendly despite being acid-based.
With the Bio-Kleen hull cleaner, you can remove the algae, scale, chalking, and lime on your boat hull which will help restore and enhance its appearance.
- Capable of cleaning quickly and effectively
- Requires little to no scrubbing
- Safe for use on boat hulls, especially aluminum ones
- The formula can irritate exposed skin
6. MaryKate Aluminex Pontoon and Hull Cleaner
If you’re looking for an aluminum hull cleaner that both cleans swiftly and effectively, then the MaryKate Aluminex Pontoon and Hull Cleaner is the cleaner for you.
What I loved about the MaryKate hull cleaner is that it has a powerful and quick-acting formula that cleans aluminum surfaces quickly, efficiently, and without any problems. This makes it great for removing waterline stains, scum, and oxidation from your aluminum hulls.
Aside from that, it comes with a brush-on rinse-off formulation which prevents you from having to spend time doing vigorous scrubbing. Just apply it then watch as it works its magic on those stubborn stains. Your boat’s aluminum hull will be looking like new after rinsing it off.
- Comes with a quick-acting formula that cleans off the stains right in front of you
- Effective and specially formulated for aluminum surfaces
- Easy to use – no need for heavy scrubbing
- Since it leaves a dull finish, you will have to perform a good polish afterward
7. BOOYAH Clean Boat Cleaning Gallon Duo
Many hull cleaners base their effectiveness on using acids that can still be sometimes too abrasive for delicate surfaces. Harsh and abrasive acid-based cleaners can also end up stripping the protective wax or other coatings on your hull or other surfaces.
With the BOOYAH Clean Boat Cleaning Gallon Duo, you don’t have to worry about any potential damage to your boat hull since it has a specially designed formula that’s free from any harsh chemicals.
What I loved about the BOOYAH cleaner is that the non-acid hull cleaner immediately removes those pesky yellow and brown stains on the hull without doing damage to it.
Another thing I loved is that the formulation of both the hull cleaner and boat wash is not only safe for your boat’s surface but for the environment as well. It’s been tested and proven to be safe for use on or near the water, so you no longer have to lug your boat back to land just so you can clean it.
The BOOYAH cleaner’s formula is tough enough to remove stains but gentle enough not to strip the wax off your boat’s hull. This makes it perfect for all types of surfaces, whether it’s fiberglass or painted.
- The formula doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals so it’s safe for use on or near water
- Effectively cleans boat hulls without damaging the surface
- Easy to use and apply
- It can’t remove waterline stains even with hard scrubbing
8. MaryKate On and Off Gel Hull Cleaner
The MaryKate On and Off Gel Hull Cleaner is a fast-acting gel-type hull cleaner that immediately breaks down tough dirt and stains that are found in the hull of your boat.
What I loved about this hull cleaner from MaryKate is that its formulation is capable of breaking down tough dirt and stains like rust, scum, oil, and grease. Despite that, it’s gentle enough that it can be used on delicate surfaces like fiberglass without harming its gel coat.
I also loved how easy it was to use, with the gel clinging onto the surface after application, making it easier to spread onto the hull. Its brush-on, rinse-off formulation is perfect if you want to cut down on your cleaning time while still cleaning your boat effectively.
I liked how it has a bright and bold blue color since it makes it easier to see where you have already applied the gel. Also, it comes with a fresh scent compared to other cleaners whose strong odor can be tough on the senses.
Moreover, I also liked how this cleaner was formulated with biodegradable ingredients. This makes it quite safe to use for cleaning even while on or near the water. This biodegradable formula makes it more environment-friendly than other cleaners.
- Easy to apply and use
- Works instantly to remove stains
- Safe for use on delicate surfaces
- Prolonged contact with painted surfaces can strip off the paint
9. Slimy Grimy Granular
Different from the usual cleaners, the Slimy Grimy Granular is a cleaner that can be used not just on marine surfaces but on other various surfaces as well.
What I loved the most about the Slimy Grimy granular cleaner is that it can be used even on wood, brick, aluminum, and other types of surfaces. This makes it an incredibly versatile kind of cleaner and a great value for money since you can use it not only on your boat but also at home.
Moreover, the Slimy Grimy cleaner doesn’t only remove brown algae stains and orange oxidation stains from boats, but it can even be used to clean your white towels and clothing without damaging the fabric.
Since it’s safe for clothing, it’s definitely safe for use on your boat’s delicate surfaces, especially fiberglass and gel coats.
Another thing I liked about it is that it removes those unsightly stains from your boat hull without the need for heavy scrubbing. With the Slimy Grimy cleaner, you can enhance your boat’s appearance without exhausting yourself from putting in too much energy into scrubbing.
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t use harsh acids
- Safe for a variety of surfaces, including clothing
- Doesn’t require heavy scrubbing
- It had difficulty removing tougher stains
10. Sudbury 2032 All-Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner
Last on my list of top-rated hull cleaners for boats is the Sudbury All-Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner. The Sudbury All-Off Hull and Bottom Cleaner is effective at removing and cleaning waterline, rust, and gas exhaust stains from your boat hull.
What I liked about the Sudbury cleaner is that it can clean those stains without the need for heavy scrubbing. I also loved how safe it is for fiberglass whose delicate surface can be damaged by more abrasive cleaners.
The Sudbury cleaner also softens zebra mussels and barnacle rings that are often found on boat hulls and bottoms, making them easier to remove later on.
With this cleaner, you can remove tough and stubborn stains from your boat hull immediately and without any problems. This gives you more time to enjoy your boat instead of spending all day cleaning it.
- Effective at cleaning even tough stains
- Doesn’t require intense scrubbing
- Safe even for fiberglass hulls
- The formulation is harsh on the skin
What to Look for When Buying a Boat Hull Cleaner
As mentioned before, cleaning and maintaining your boat hull is vital to preserving the integrity of your boat. After all, it’s the part that takes the brunt of damages and is constantly in contact with water. As such, it is more prone to corrosion and staining which can damage your boat hull if left uncleaned.
However, you can’t choose any old cleaner and go with it. You have to take into account several factors because choosing the wrong type of cleaner may do more harm than good to your hull.
For this, I have created a list of factors which might help you with your selection. They are as follows:
- Type of Boat Hull
First and foremost, you need to consider what kind of boat hull your boat has. Is it made of aluminum or fiberglass? The reason for this is because some cleaners are more effective for aluminum surfaces while being too abrasive for fiberglass and vice-versa.
Knowing what type of hull your boat has will help you determine which cleaner is appropriate for it. Also, it allows you to prevent damaging your hull all because you’ve chosen the wrong type of cleaner.
- Ingredients
Ideally, you want to choose a cleaner that is effective at removing stains and dirt without being abrasive and damaging to your hull. While strong cleaners are usually acid-based, their formulation is still gentle enough for use on most surfaces.
However, if you don’t want acid-based cleaners, there are some that are designed without using them. These types of cleaners are still effective although sometimes less so than acid-based cleaners.
Additionally, if you’re planning to clean your boat on or near water, you might want to check out biodegradable cleaners as these are safe for use while on the water and won’t harm the environment.
- Ease of Application and Removal
A boat hull is a large surface, and cleaning every inch of it can take a lot of time. Therefore, you’d want to pick a cleaner that’s easy to apply and remove as this will help you clean your hull faster and more efficiently.
This also eliminates the need for heavy scrubbing which can be exhausting and take too much time.
- Response Time
Due to the hull being a large surface, you will also want a cleaner that can act immediately once applied. By doing so, you can cut down on the time you need for cleaning. Moreover, a cleaner that can break down and remove stains will also eliminate the need for scrubbing.
However, when selecting a fast-acting cleaner, make sure that it will only remove stains and dirt, not your boat hull’s gel coat or paint.
- Versatility
It would be a good idea to look for a cleaner that can clean more than one type of surface as the versatility this offers will make it easier for you to clean the other parts of your boat and save you some money.
Most cleaners offer this versatility, and some can even be used for the surfaces in your home.
- Cleaning Power
Cleaning a boat hull can be exhausting, so you would want to choose a cleaner that can clean your boat surface thoroughly without damaging it. Moreover, a strong enough cleaner will allow you to sit back and relax while it does the bulk of the work of removing those unsightly stubborn stains.
However, a strong formulation doesn’t always mean good as some can end up doing more harm to your boat hull surface than good. With gentler formulas, sometimes all you need is another application to remove those more stubborn stains.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Although the above factors are important, there are other things you will need to consider before picking the best hull cleaner for your boat.
Considering this, I have listed down the additional information you will need to make your decision. These will help you understand more why choosing the right boat hull cleaner is essential. They’re as follows:
What is a boat hull cleaner?
A boat hull cleaner is a cleaning solution that’s specially designed and formulated for use on boat hulls. They are meant to thoroughly remove the dirt and stains from your boat hull, giving it a fresh and like brand new clean look.
How does it work?
Boat hull cleaners work by breaking down the dirt and stains upon application so that they’ll be easier to remove when you rinse it off. Sometimes, some scrubbing is needed to thoroughly remove them.
Most boat hull cleaners can be applied directly onto your hull surface, but some may require diluting in water before use. You will also need a sponge or cloth to apply it onto your surface, especially liquid-type cleaners.
What are the different types of boat hull cleaners?
There are two common types of boat hull cleaners: gel-type and liquid type. Gel types are most popular for use on fiberglass hulls since they cling easily to the delicate surface. They are also easier to apply and use because of their more solid nature compared to liquid type cleaners whose form can be messy.
The benefits of liquid-type cleaners, however, is that they can cover much more ground in a shorter span of time compared to gel-type cleaners.
Other classifications for hull cleaners are acid-based and non-acid based. Most boat hull cleaners are acid-based. However, they don’t use harsh chemicals, so you shouldn’t worry about them causing damage to your hull’s surface as long as you’ve picked the right type of cleaner. They are more effective and tend to act more quickly than non-acid based cleaners. However, non-acid based cleaners are more environment-friendly than acid-based ones.
Furthermore, acid-based cleaners can irritate the skin, thereby requiring you to use gloves when handling these types of cleaners.
Why do you need a boat hull cleaner?
Boat hull cleaners are necessary because as mentioned before, your hull is the most exposed part of your boat to the elements. It’s also the one that’s always in contact with water which can lead to staining and corrosion.
Leaving your boat hull uncleaned can compromise its integrity, which is why regular cleaning and maintaining it is a must. Using a boat hull cleaner will not only make cleaning your boat hull easier, but it will also ensure that the cleaner you’re using won’t harm the delicate surface of your boat hull, especially fiberglass hulls.
This is because fiberglass hulls are covered with a special coating called gel coats that can be easily scratched and damaged by more abrasive cleaners.
Aside from that, a hull cleaner can also:
- Preserve the integrity of your boat hull
Regularly cleaning your boat hull with a specialized cleaner will ensure that your hull’s integrity is preserved and will not succumb to corrosion. This will increase the lifespan of your boat, allowing you to enjoy it for many years.
- Restore your hull’s exterior to its former glory
Using a boat hull cleaner will clean your hull effectively and thoroughly which enables you to restore it to its former glory. Removing the dirt and stains from your hull with the proper cleaner will make your boat looking sparkling clean and like brand new again.
- Increase your boat’s overall value
If you ever decide to sell your boat in the future, you have a better chance of selling it when it’s properly maintained. A boat hull cleaner will help you with the needed cleaning and maintenance of your hull.
- Increase your boat’s performance
A clean and properly maintained hull reduces the friction on the water while sailing, making your ride smoother and bump-free. Moreover, this uses less fuel, saving you from refilling often.
Cleaning and maintaining your boat hull will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but it will also help keep your boat in top shape. This will allow you to enjoy it for a long time or sell it at a higher value should you decide to do so.
Knowing the benefits of boat hull cleaners and what they are will help you come up with a more informed buying decision. Aside from that, it can also help you preserve the integrity and prolong the lifespan of your boat hull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most trusted boat hull cleaner brands?
A: Some of the most trusted brands for boat hull cleaners have been mentioned in the product review section of this article. These include popular brands such as Star Brite, Better Boat, and MaryKate.
These brands have been tested and proven to be effective at cleaning boat hulls. This explains why they’re so popular with their consumers.
Q: Do hull cleaners harm decals on the boat?
A: They usually don’t because they are specially formulated for boat hulls. However, if you want to be sure, you can test the cleaner on a small area first to see if it does.
Q: How to use?
A: It really depends on your chosen hull cleaner. Some cleaners can be applied directly onto the surface, especially gel-type cleaners whose sticky nature makes it easy to apply. Liquid cleaners, on the other hand, need to be applied to a sponge or cloth first or diluted with water in a spray bottle for a more even application.
Q: Where to buy?
A: Boat hull cleaners can be bought in most boating supply stores or hardware stores, but if you prefer a more convenient option, you can always buy through online sites like Amazon. They will deliver your preferred cleaner directly on your doorstep which eliminates the need to go out and buy some.
Buying online also gives you a wider selection from which to choose. However, take note of the possible delivery fees before placing your order.
Q: How often should I clean my boat hull?
A: Ideally, it would be best if you clean your boat as often as possible. This is especially necessary if you use your boat often since dirt and stains can accumulate even after just taking it out for one day. These can end up damaging your boat hull if not removed as soon as possible.
Q: Should I use gloves when handling acid-based boat hull cleaners?
A: I would strongly recommend using gloves because the ingredients in acid-based hull cleaners can irritate exposed skin.
Q: Are boat hull cleaners safe for use while on the water?
A: It depends on the cleaner. Most cleaners are biodegradable, so they’re safe to use for cleaning while you’re on or near the water.
However, some do contain ingredients that aren’t eco-friendly; therefore, it’s best to check first whether or not the cleaner you choose is safe for use while on the water. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally pollute the water.
Conclusion
Boat hulls, through constant exposure to water and external elements, are the most prone to staining and corrosion. Due to this, cleaning them on a regular basis is a must. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your boat hull are essential to keeping your boat in top shape and also in ensuring that it performs as well as it could.
Cleaning boat hulls can be a daunting task due to the sheer size of the area. However, it doesn’t have to be as difficult with the right boat hull cleaner. On the other hand, looking for the best boat hull cleaner can pose challenges since there are many options out there to choose from.
Hopefully, this comprehensive review and guide I created can help you determine which boat hull cleaner is best for your boat.
I am Dave, Marine Talk’s content creator. Boating experiences matter when planning a boat trip for your family or going by yourself. Therefore, I am here to tackle all things relevant to boating so even the inexperienced ones can start their boating safely.