Removing hard water spots

[STEELERBOY29]

I have a painted aluminum hull and am looking for some type of cleaner to remove the hard water spots.  I read a post about a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.  I tried this on my outboard this weekend and it worked like a charm.  It removed the water spots with a minimal amount of elbow grease.  I'm just worried about what it might do to my aluminum hull paint finish and pinstriping details.  Am I worried about nothing?  I thought when I was reading about the vinegar/water mixture that guys were only using it on glass boats.  I don't mind driving a Crestliner "pickle" if it's safe on the finish.  Any recommendations would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[thedude]

i use lime-away gel on painted aluminum. no problemo. never tried vinnegar.

[STEELERBOY29]

Does your boat have any pinstriping (adhesive type "stickers") on top of the paint?  Mine does, see attached pic.  If I didn't have  pinstriping, I wouldn't be as worried about what type of cleaner to use.  Naturally, I don't want something that removes water spots and pinstriping......

[thedude]

yep!

[STEELERBOY29]

Okay.  I may have to give that Lime Away Gel a try.  What do you use for wax?  I love Nu Finish on my vehicles.  Never tried it on my boat.

[thedude]

i have a tracker avalanche so it has automotive paint on it anyway - i just use turtle wax or whatever is currently on the shelf in the garage when i wax it.

[Revtro]

I can't say enough about 303 Aerospace Protectant.  It's amazing stuff.  I use it on my hull, but never wax what's in the water.  Bass Boat Saver is similar and heard good things about it.  I like 303 better than wax.  It seems to last longer too IMO.  You can get it at Wonderland...not sure where else.

[1javelin]

I also use 303, not as religiously as I should, but I'll forewarn you, once you put it on, don't use that area as a step or handhold, because you WILL FALL.

1Jav

[robtheboatman]

We have become firm beleivers in 303.  The stuff is amazing.
Rob

[MadWags]

Amen

[BigSmallie]

For hard water spots on my outboard I've used CLR. (Calcium, Lime & Rust??) Comes in a green bottle.   

This stuff really gets rid of those hard water spots......but man........make sure you use a rubber glove!!  This stuff is strong!!!!

BS 

[STEELERBOY29]

I was trying to remove hard water spots from the hull.  I don't want to use anything that requires gloves for fear of what it might do to the finish.  For your outboard, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.  It removes the hard water spots and is more envirofriendly.