The bilge on the Currawong is a small, deep "V" directly under the engine and gearbox. Over the years, the bilge on Kinora has built up a fair amount of sticky, black sludge on the walls of the bilge. Parts break off and then foul the check valve on the bilge pump so I need to do a thorough clean. The advice received so far is to soften the gunk, scrape off as much as possible, wash with a degreaser. Difficult and laborious work in a confined space.

What have others done to thoroughly clean contaminated bilges?

Cheers,
Kinora

I have found that the op-shops sell what they call "dog towels". Perfectly good, washed towels that can't or won't be sold for human use. I like to get four or five, round the bill up to the nearest 10 bucks and use then throw away. Very good for getting dirty bilgewater up including the particles that contaminate it.