rubber marks from dock bumpers

[roland cobine]

    on one of my last trips to the lake, my outboard failed and i had to come into the dock under sail. i furled in the jib and figured i would sail up close and  luft the main. it worked good but i still skiddered along the dock a bit leaving a black rubber mark. i tried some soft scrub and later some car wax but you can still see it a bit. anyone have any ideas? also some asshole fisherman on the dock were of no help at all. i hope you dont think all fisherman are like that as i too am one. thanks   kickinbug

[Shepherd]

Can't offer any help on the rubber marks, except perhaps a careful application of a scotch-brite pad? But start very carefully!  It might also mar the finish - I haven't tried this, it's just a thought!
But I have had a motor refuse to run when I wanted to come into the dock, and in much heavier winds than I was happy with.  I found that by dousing the main, and running with only the jib, I was able to manage speed much easier, and it's a lot easier to loose the jib sheet completely to slow for the dock.  I approached at about a 30 degree angle to the dock, on a run, and loosed the jib 10 yards out to coast into the dock and make that final turn to park, with barely a bump. Impressed myself only, since every reasonable person in the area had long since run for shelter from the wind!
Best - Capt Morgan

[B.Hart]

   Hi kickin, try lacure thinner , compound, or carefully  sanding with fine paper, then buff out.  HAPPY SAILING    BILL

[roland cobine]

thanks for the tips guys---and what a dope i am for not dousing the main. i made the furler using gray pvc electical conduit and two round electrical junction box covers. pictures on the way. i had two jibs with the boat and used the larger one. seems to work well but i havent sailed a lot since then.   thanks again fellas

[Bob23]

Kick: I would try On-Off, available at West Marine and other boat shops. Removes just about anything. I use it for discoloration at the waterline after hauling out, which was just this last saturday. Stubborn marks may require a bit of elbow grease with a sponge, or last resort, a scotchbrite pad. But- be forewarded: scotchbrite pads are an abrasive that will leave small scratches in the gelcoat, which may be compounded out. I know---I've done it!
   One last warning: On-Off is puts off some quite toxic fumes--be careful not to breath it in.
   Bob23 and "Koinonia" on the hard!

[roland cobine]

thanks bob ill try the on off stuff.