Amanda Knapp
Keeping your boat clean is essential for maintaining its appearance and value. This is a step-by-step guide on how to clean aluminum boat bases effectively. First, it's important to plan to clean your boat on a day that isn't too hot, as direct sunlight can cause the aluminum to become too hot to handle. Next, remove any debris, dust, or grease from the surface of the boat. Then, wash the boat with soap and water to remove any loose dirt and grime. After that, apply an aluminum boat cleaning solution, diluted with water, to the boat's surface and scrub thoroughly. Finally, buff the aluminum to a high shine using a buffing cloth or machine. Regular maintenance and the use of appropriate cleaning products will help to extend the life of your aluminum boat and keep it looking its best.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | After each use |
| Materials | Fresh water, XPS Aluminum Cleaner, mild detergent, XPS Wax and Sealant, wet rag, soft cloths, hose, garden hose, scrubber, biodegradable car soap, bucket, water, pressure washer, protective gloves, footwear, goggles, protective clothing, buffing chamois, buffing products, boat wax, buffing cloth or machine, sponge, hot water, car soap, steel wool, scrubbing brush, buffing pad, buffing rake, soft-bristled brush or sponge, degreaser, aluminum brightener and cleaner, pressure washing chemicals, aluminum acid wash |
| Process | Rinse boat with fresh water after each use, wipe away scum line around the hull waterline with a wet rag, periodically clean hull surfaces using XPS Aluminum Cleaner or mild detergent with warm water, apply XPS Wax and Sealant to painted hull surfaces, use a dedicated aluminum boat cleaner, work with debris-free aluminum before cleaning, rinse boat with water, apply car soap, scrub boat, rinse soap and dirt off boat, use a pressure washer, spray boat with biodegradable car soap, rinse boat from top to bottom, use an aluminum cleaning solution, dilute solution, scrub hull, scrub rust spots gently, rinse boat, buff aluminum, apply aluminum polish, buff in a circular pattern, use a buffing machine, add more aluminum polish to buffing pad, use a buffing rake to clear the pad, rinse boat with fresh water, dry boat with a sponge or microfiber cloth |
| Benefits | Improved fuel economy, smoother sailing, retains value, more appealing to potential buyers, restores luster, protects from the elements, prevents corrosion, maintains appearance, prolongs lifespan |
| Tips | Clean on a day that isn't too hot, cover aluminum with a tarp or towels to keep it out of the sun, avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish, avoid using products that may contain solvents that will damage the protective coating on vinyl, avoid industrial cleaners, powdered abrasives or steel wool, keep suntan lotion and wet leaves off upholstery, ensure thorough drying of carpeting, upholstery and inner foam materials before covering the boat, clean storage compartments once or twice a season, elevate the bow of the boat, remove the drain plug and allow water to drain from the bilge, clean the livewell regularly, use a quality glass cleaner for glass windshields, use a mild soap solution and damp cloth for smoked polycarbonate or plastic windshields, avoid harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals or dry cloths on plastic windshields, use protective goggles and gloves when cleaning the boat |
What You'll Learn
Rinse with fresh water after each use
Rinsing your aluminium boat with fresh water after each use is an essential step in maintaining the boat's longevity and performance. It is also a simple and effective way to keep your boat in top condition.
Firstly, rinsing with fresh water after each use helps to prevent the buildup of salt, polluted water, algae, marine life, and barnacles. These organisms can attach themselves to the hull, causing discolouration and harmful bacteria to penetrate the hull. This can lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced speed, and drag. Rinsing with fresh water is an easy way to prevent these issues and maintain the performance of your boat.
Secondly, rinsing with fresh water is particularly important if your boat has been exposed to salt water or travelled over salty roads. Salt can accelerate the corrosion process, so rinsing it off with fresh water is crucial. This will help to maintain the integrity of the aluminium and prevent any long-term damage.
Thirdly, fresh water rinsing is an important step in maintaining the appearance of your boat. It helps to remove any visible scum or waterline around the hull, which, if left to dry, can be more challenging to remove and may eventually stain the hull. Keeping your boat clean and stain-free will not only preserve its appearance but also protect its value.
Finally, rinsing with fresh water after each use is a preventative measure that can save you time and money in the long run. It is a simple and quick task that can be easily incorporated into your post-use routine. By taking a few minutes to rinse your boat, you can avoid the need for more intensive and expensive deep cleaning in the future.
In conclusion, rinsing your aluminium boat with fresh water after each use is a crucial step in maintaining the condition and performance of your boat. It helps to prevent corrosion, discolouration, and the buildup of harmful organisms. Additionally, it preserves the appearance and value of your boat. By incorporating this simple step into your post-use routine, you can ensure that your boat stays in top condition and performs at its best for years to come.
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Use a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner
Aluminium boats are prone to corrosion, and the buildup of grime and salt can accelerate this process. Therefore, it is important to use a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner to cut through the oxidation layer and clean the actual aluminium surface.
Ordinary soap and water might clean the surface of the aluminium, but it will do little to restore its lustre or offer protection for your boat. Specialised aluminium boat cleaners are formulated to remove oxidation, stains and build-up without harming the aluminium. They are essential for effectively cleaning an aluminium boat's hull and extending its life.
When selecting an aluminium cleaner, make sure it is safe to use on boat hulls. You can use a low-micron cleaner like the BoatLIFE Aluminium Cleaner to brighten, protect and get the best possible shine. Other popular options include Fiberglass Cleaner, Toon-Brite and Star Brite.
Before using these chemicals, put on protective gloves, footwear, goggles and clothing to keep your skin and regular clothes free from stains. While these chemicals are not very dangerous, it is always good to be cautious.
Most aluminium cleaning solutions will require about 500 ml of aluminium cleaning solution and 1.5 or 2 litres of water to dilute. After diluting the concentrate as directed, dip the scrubber in and start scrubbing the hull. You might want to use a steel wool scrubber to address patches that the car soap mixture wasn't able to clean.
After a satisfying scrub of the whole hull, read the instructions to find out if the solution needs time to set in the metal layers. Then, rinse the boat thoroughly to wash out the chemicals.
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Protect with wax or polish
To protect your aluminium boat with wax or polish, you must first ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Once you have rinsed away any residual cleaning solution, the next step is to buff the aluminium to bring out its shine.
If your boat is small, has only light oxidation, or you don't mind the labour involved, you may decide to hand-buff your boat. Start by applying aluminium polish to a buffing cloth or pad. Press it to the boat's surface and start buffing in a circular pattern until you have covered the aluminium. Remember that buffing by hand can be time- and labour-intensive, especially if the aluminium is heavily oxidised.
If you want to make quick work of it, a buffing machine is your best option. Start by applying aluminium polish to the buffing pad while it's in motion. Press the pad into the aluminium and buff, moving slowly from side to side until you have covered all of the aluminium. It's important to be thorough here—one pass will be enough if you buff slowly and deliberately.
You'll need to add more aluminium polish to the buffing pad as you work. Keep in mind that the edge of the buffing pad may collect polish buildup or aluminium particles, so inspect it every so often and remove any debris. You can use a buffing rake to clear the pad, which is a hard, metal comb that cleans the surface of the buffing pad to prepare it for fresh polish.
To maintain your boat's appearance and value, use boat wax at least once a year. You can apply the boat wax one or two days after it has been cleaned and dried out. Follow the instructions of the boat wax you selected and ensure you avoid non-skid surfaces.
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Use a pressure washer for tough grime
A pressure washer is a great tool to use when cleaning an aluminum boat, especially if you're dealing with tough grime and stains. Pressure washers are ideal for larger-scale cleaning projects and can effectively remove built-up residue, algae, and mildew from your boat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a pressure washer to clean your aluminum boat:
Step 1: Prepare the Boat
Once you've returned from your sailing trip, get the boat to land and prepare it for cleaning. Attach the pressure washer soap nozzle to your garden hose.
Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution
Spray the boat, starting from the bottom, with a biodegradable car soap or a mild detergent. Allow the soap to soak for about 5 minutes. This will help loosen and lift any dirt, grime, or stains from the aluminum surface. Ensure the soap doesn't dry, as it will only create an extra layer of grime for you to clean.
Step 3: Pressure Wash the Boat
Now it's time to break out the pressure washer. Start rinsing the boat from top to bottom, using the pressure washer. Be sure to adjust the pressure to a suitable level, especially if you're cleaning an aluminum boat with painted surfaces. Too much pressure can damage the paint or the aluminum itself. Additionally, be cautious when pressure washing near windows, lights, and other sensitive areas.
Step 4: Rinse and Inspect
After pressure washing, thoroughly rinse the boat again with fresh water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution. Double-check that you've washed away all the detergent and flushed out the motor. Inspect the boat for any remaining tough stains or grime. If necessary, repeat the process, ensuring that you give the soap enough time to work on the grime before rinsing.
Step 5: Dry the Boat
Use a clean, soft cloth or chamois to dry the boat's surface thoroughly. Avoid leaving water spots on the aluminum, as they can be unsightly and may even lead to water stains.
Benefits of Using a Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to clean your aluminum boat. It can also help you maintain your boat's regular maintenance, preventing the need for expensive deep cleans after prolonged use. Additionally, pressure washers are versatile and can be used with various cleaning solutions or just plain water, depending on your boat's needs.
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Avoid abrasive materials
Aluminum boats are an excellent choice for boaters who want durability, strength, and lightweight construction. However, they require regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and other environmental pollutants, which can cause damage.
When cleaning your aluminum boat, it's important to avoid using abrasive materials. Abrasive cleansers, solvents, steel wool, industrial cleaners, and powdered abrasives can all scratch and dull the surface of your boat. These products can also remove the protective coating on vinyl boat upholstery. Therefore, it's best to avoid using products like Armor All, Formula 409, or waxes, as these may contain solvents that can damage the vinyl.
Instead, opt for a mild detergent or boat cleaner with warm water to clean the hull of your boat. You can also use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the surface. If you're dealing with tough stains or rust, a scrubber brush or steel wool can be used, but always exercise caution to avoid damaging the aluminum. Always rinse the boat thoroughly after scrubbing to remove any remaining soap or detergent.
When drying your boat, use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft towel to prevent water spots and streaks. This is an important step to maintain the appearance and integrity of your boat.
In addition, when cleaning the interior of your boat, be sure to use mild detergents and avoid harsh chemicals. Regularly wash vinyl upholstery and canopy tops with dishwashing soap and warm water. For tough stains, use a citrus cleaner, followed by a rinse with dish soap and warm water.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your aluminum boat after each use.
You will need a five-gallon bucket, an aluminum boat cleaner, a buffing cloth or machine, and protective goggles and gloves.
First, wash your boat with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Next, apply an aluminum boat cleaning solution and scrub the surfaces. Finally, buff the aluminum to a shine.
Clean your boat on a day that is not too hot, as direct sunlight can cause the aluminum to become too hot to touch. Also, be sure to choose the right cleaning products formulated for aluminum to prevent corrosion.
