I bought a 2004 boat with very little use, but I think it’s been sitting for a while, the livewells have that musty river smell, and the rigging and oil compartments have some mold on the inside. Do you guys have any suggestions for cleaning and getting rid of the smell?
Thanks
If there is no safe soap, use table salt and a damp soft cloth for the live wells.
Livewells/baitwells – mixture of 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 water – go heavier if needed. Spray in–let sit a bit–wipe out. Will take livewell smell away, clean river scum, and remove water spots from hull and motor. I never leave home without a spray bottle!
Mineral Spirits – the expensive stuff. Cuts through oil crud easily. I have a 2 stroke and there is always oil buildup here or there…any easy clean if done regularly.
Good luck! Anything can be cleaned up!
I’ve used a product called Renew Allure, Bio-Safe Live Well Prep. It does a good job a eliminating odors and had my livewell smelling like new. However, I haven’t seen in stores for awhile, so not sure where to get it.
This stuff works pretty well too:
https://larsensa.hostinggreatlakes.com/appieshop/index.cgi?larsensaSTORE:CKIE:prod055-b-z+
Ok you guys are making this way to hard.
-Just fill the livewell with water.
-Add 2 cups of bleach.
-Let sit for 1 hour.
-Use white towels and scrub the sides down.(Don’t splash)
-Rinse
This will clean, disinfect and deodorize.
kills envasive species
Livewell will be like new in color.
And smell fresh and clean.
I am here all week.
Baking Soda. Its all I use. 
Thanks guys, I’m going to try this as soon as spring gets here.
Any suggestions on the mold inside the oil tank compartment?
Quote:
Ok you guys are making this way to hard.
-Just fill the livewell with water.
-Add 2 cups of bleach.
-Let sit for 1 hour.
-Use white towels and scrub the sides down.(Don’t splash)
-RinseThis will clean, disinfect and deodorize.
kills envasive species
Livewell will be like new in color.
And smell fresh and clean.I am here all week.
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