Ayrton Oneill
Maintaining the cleanliness of an aluminum boat is essential not just for preserving its appearance but also for protecting its value. While some boat owners may opt for professional cleaning services, doing it yourself can be more cost-effective and allows for timely identification and repair of broken parts. Here is a simple guide on how to clean the bottom of your aluminum boat and keep it in top condition.
Characteristics of cleaning an aluminum boat bottom
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to clean | On a normal day, preferably in the shade |
| Preparation | Cover the boat with a tarp or towels to keep it out of the sun |
| Remove debris, dust, or grease before applying a cleaner | |
| Cleaners | Use a dedicated aluminum boat cleaner to brighten, protect, and shine |
| Use a low-micron cleaner to get through the oxidized coating | |
| Vinegar mixture | Mix vinegar and water at a 50/50 ratio |
| Use distilled water | |
| Spray the mixture onto the boat and leave for 60 seconds | |
| Wipe the surface with a wet cloth using upward and downward strokes | |
| Other techniques | Wash the boat with car soap and water |
| Use a pressure washer with compostable soap |
What You'll Learn
Wash with soapy water
To clean the bottom of an aluminium boat, the first step is to wash with soapy water. This is an important step to ensure that the majority of dirt, grime and water stains are removed.
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools to effectively wash your boat. You will need a bucket, a garden hose, car soap and a long scrubber. The length of the scrubber will depend on the size of your boat.
Once you have gathered your tools, fill the bucket with water and car soap. Then, rinse the boat with the hose, in the same way you would when cleaning a car. Next, dip the scrubber into the soapy water and thoroughly scrub the boat.
If there are any areas of persistent dirt, repeat the process or use a pressure washer. A pressure washer is a great tool to have as part of your regular boat maintenance. It can be used on both fibreglass and aluminium boats.
After scrubbing, be sure to rinse the boat to remove any excess dirt and soap. It is important to ensure that no soap is left on the boat, as this can add another layer of dirt.
Washing with soapy water will ensure that the majority of dirt is removed. However, to effectively clean an aluminium boat, a vinegar solution should be used after this step to remove any remaining streaks or water stains.
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Rinse with fresh water
Rinsing your boat with fresh water after each use is essential, especially if your boat has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if you've travelled over salty roads.
Rinsing with fresh water is the first step in cleaning your aluminium boat. It's important to do this straight after use, as dried scum is harder to remove and may eventually stain the hull.
Begin by rinsing your boat with fresh water from a hose. Pay particular attention to the hull, and use a wet rag to wipe away the visible scum line around the hull waterline.
If you don't have access to a hose, you can use a bucket of fresh water and a wet rag to wipe down the aluminium surfaces. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and pay particular attention to the hull, as this is most likely to have scum and stains.
If you are cleaning your boat at home, in a garage or boat maintenance centre, you can also use a pressure washer to rinse away any stubborn dirt and scum.
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Use a specialist aluminium cleaner
Aluminium boats need to be brightened, polished, and protected when cleaned. Ordinary soap and water might clean the surface, but it won't restore its shine or offer protection. Specialist aluminium cleaners are formulated to quickly and safely remove waterline scum, algae stains, mould, and oxidation, leaving a bright, clean finish.
There are several products available for cleaning aluminium boats. One option is XPS Aluminium Cleaner, which can be used to clean painted and unpainted hull surfaces. Another product mentioned is Boat Bling Hot Sauce, which will remove even the most stubborn water marks and streaking stains from aluminium boats and will leave a wax polish that improves future spot resistance.
If you are looking for a more intensive restoration, you can try Algex, Alumabuff, and Alumetron. Algex is a spray that removes marine growth and surface corrosion. Alumabuff is used with a linear buffer to buff the surface of the boat. Alumetron is then applied in four thin coats to protect the bottom of the boat.
When using specialist aluminium cleaners, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Use a vinegar and water solution
To clean the bottom of an aluminium boat with vinegar, you'll first need to clean up any dirt, grime or water spots with soapy water. This will help remove the bulk of the dirt.
Next, mix equal parts water and vinegar. The water should be warm and distilled if possible. Mix the solution in a small bucket and then pour it into a cheap spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the dirty or water-marked aluminium, leaving it to soak for around a minute. Then, use the wet corner of a clean, non-abrasive towel or cloth and rub the aluminium area clean. Upward and downward strokes tend to work best, but you can use circular motions to rub away any streaks.
Finally, make sure to wipe off the vinegar cleanly. This will prevent a reaction that could cause you to lose small amounts of aluminium.
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Buff and protect with Alumabuff and Alumetron
Buffing your boat is an important step in the cleaning process, and Alumabuff is a great product to use for this. It is a fast-acting aluminium buffing compound that can be used to clean and polish aluminium of stains, streaks, and white cloud. It is water-based, making it much cleaner to work with and can be used by hand or with a linear buffer and Alumabuff Pad Kit to save time and effort.
To buff your boat with Alumabuff, start by applying the product evenly to a small section of the boat's surface, as well as to a Marine Power Mitt or soft cloth pad. Use a paintbrush to apply the product if needed. Buff the aluminium surface in a back-and-forth motion, always moving parallel to the direction of the grain. Continue onto adjacent sections, slightly overlapping each pass, until the stains and streaks are removed. Finally, rinse away any residue or power wash the surface.
After buffing, it is important to protect the surface of your boat. Alumetron is a great product for this, as it can last up to 10 years and comes with a 3-year warranty that can be extended to 5 years with the use of VS721. Alumetron chemically bonds to the aluminium and can be used both above and below the waterline. Apply 4 thin coats of Alumetron to protect your boat's surface.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to clean an aluminum boat is to use a vinegar and water solution. This is a cheap and effective method that will remove most water spots and marks.
You will need a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water (preferably distilled), a small spray bottle, and a clean non-abrasive towel or cloth.
First, use a mild soap solution to remove any large pieces of dirt, grime, or water spots. Then, mix equal parts vinegar and warm distilled water in a small bucket. Pour this into your spray bottle and spray onto the desired area, leaving it to soak for around a minute. Finally, wipe the area with a clean, wet towel or cloth, using upward and downward strokes.
You should rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if it has been exposed to salt or polluted water. You should also regularly clean the painted and unpainted hull surfaces using an aluminum cleaner or mild detergent with warm water.
You should avoid using abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish of your boat. Also, be sure to keep the aluminum out of direct sunlight as it will become too hot to handle.
