Hey rafters, how do you clean your raft?

[Kaitum]

Probably took my last float of the summer today. Before putting the raft away until next spring, I'd like to scrub off the metal oxidation marks where my aluminum frame rubbed on my raft tubes. The raft material is urethane (Sotar raft). What have you used to remove this discoloration?

 

[shb]

Good question.

 

[Redside]

NRS boat cleaner work ok, it gets a lot of it off. Most of the time anymore I just wash with that then apply 303 and call it good. Doesn't always remove everything and besides, it's just going to show up next year. You could get your frame powder coated then you wouldn't have the oxidation marks.

I did try using Mr Clean Magic Eraser once, worked really good, just wasn't sure if it was ok to use on the material and they don't last long on a large raft.

 

[theat]

My cousin has guided rafting trips down the Grand Canyon for almost 20 years for couple of outfitters. I asked him the same question and he said that most of the big outfitters down there use the generic version of the Magic Erasers and soapy water. You can get the generic erasers much cheaper at one of those dollar store type places. I have been using them for a few years and haven't noticed any damage to the raft material.

 

[Carbon]

Magic erasers work amazingly well!

 

[Kaitum]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback. I might look at getting the frame powder coated in the future. Also thought about getting the 'chafe' strips added to the top of the side tubes for extra protection.

 

[Nick_CO]

+1 on coating with 303 after its clean and dry, before storage. It only takes a few minutes and will definitely prolong the life of your boat.

 

[Nick_CO]

But you should leave the marks on the boat, that way you know exactly where you had your frame when you rig it next.

 

[Kaitum]

Just a follow up on this post. As usual my best intentions last fall to clean the raft before winter were quickly set aside as hunting season began. So I inflated the raft today and gave it a well deserved cleaning. The Mr. Clean Magic Erasers with soapy water worked great. I used a Scotch Brite pad for the tough spots.

A couple before and after shots. I'm glad I took the time to inflate it before the first river trip, discovered the floor pressure relief valve needs cleaned (or replaced).