T&T: Bilge cleaners

[JHWardJr at aol.com]

Something you made need to investigate is an open shower  sump.

 
Richard - good suggestion.  I do have a gray water sump and when I got  the 
boat the cover was not on tight (just laying on it, actually).  It is  amazing 
how smelly it was.  I made a tight lid and treat it  occasionally to 
defunkify. 
 
I also need to clarify something to all - some listers emailed me thinking  I 
was calling (now I know her name) Peggy Hall a stinky lady.  I meant the  
lady that is an expert with 'stinky bilges'.  And my goal was to hear some  new 
suggestions to cleaning from those that have suffered with this problem like  I 
am.  Admittedly, I should have been more tactful in my request for  personal 
experiences.
 
I got direct emails before I even saw my post (I have the batch  
subscription).
 
I see that Peggy has posted and was very cordial and helpful.  For  that I 
admire you and appreciate your maturity.  I formally  apologize.
 
I have brought this subject up with others, on my dock and directly off  
list, and find that in the scheme of things most people put this issue down the  
priority list after shiny exterior, icemakers, good a/c, and obviously  
safety/reliability items.  Especially older boats where the  value/maintenance ratio 
is askew.  One respondee even told me he had to  sell the boat and buy a gas 
one to keep peace with the admiral.  My  daughters accuse my boat of smelling 
like my plane (seems that all old engine  powered toys smell - even my Jag 
does) - and that's not a compliment!  And  I have had GFs bring their own towels 
because mine do not smell fresh even after  I wash and dry ashore with dryer 
sheets.  Seems they take on smells in my  drawers in only a couple of days.
 
The consensus is to go at it with high pressure water (I even bought a  
steamer), TSP, lots of scrubbing and elbow grease, be fanatical about finding  
sources.  I have already done this, but I think I was not as committed  to the 
total job as I need to be (I live on board most of the time and the  process will 
take days to really do it right). The permeation in wood will  be tougher to 
eliminate and I fear after 25 years will be the toughest to  resolve (I fear 
pressure washing all the areas that gets bilge odors will  do damage).  Maybe 
this PureAyre product is the right path.  
 
I'll report my results.  Regards, Jim



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