Clean Your Aluminum Boat Tower: Simple Steps For Sparkling Results

Maintaining the appearance of your boat is important, but it's also about more than just looks. Proper care and cleaning of your boat's aluminum tower can help to extend its life and protect its value. This is especially important given the harsh marine environment, which can cause corrosion and pitting on the surface of the metal. Regular rinsing with clean water is recommended, and if you have hard water in your area, it's important to completely dry off the surface with a cloth to prevent water spots. For more stubborn stains, an aluminum cleaner or polish can be used, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over-cleaning or using harsh chemicals can do more harm than good, so it's important to be gentle and use mild detergents and soft cloths when cleaning your boat's aluminum tower.

How to Clean an Aluminum Boat Tower

Rinse with fresh water after each use

Rinsing your boat with fresh water after each use is essential, especially if you've been sailing in salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if your boat has been exposed to salty roads. This is because salt crystals and other contaminants can dry on the surface of your boat and cause damage. Rinsing with fresh water will wash away these contaminants and prevent them from building up and causing issues.

After rinsing, it's important to wipe down the entire surface of your boat with a soft microfiber cloth. This is particularly important if you live in an area with mineral-rich or "hard" water, as the minerals left behind during evaporation can create water spots that are annoying to remove. Make sure to use a clean cloth, as dirt or debris on the cloth can cause scratches.

If you're unable to rinse your boat with fresh water immediately after each use, be sure to do so as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more time salt and other contaminants have to cause damage. Ideally, you should rinse your boat with fresh water every time it's used, regardless of the water conditions.

In addition to rinsing with fresh water, periodic cleaning with an aluminium cleaner or a mild detergent and warm water is recommended. This will help to remove any built-up scum, algae stains, mould, or oxidation, and keep your boat looking its best. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using cleaning products, and be sure to test any new products in a small, hidden area first to ensure they don't cause discolouration or damage.

Wipe away scum from the hull waterline

To wipe away scum from the hull waterline, you must act fast. As soon as you have hauled your boat onto its trailer, grab a wet rag and wipe away the visible scum line. If you leave it to dry, it will be much harder to remove and may eventually stain the hull.

There are a variety of products you can use to remove scum from the hull waterline. Some people recommend using a mild detergent with warm water, while others suggest more specific products such as Bar Keeper's Friend, Simple Green, or marine cleaners like JJV Best Scum Remover or Starbrite Hull Cleaner. You can also try using a mixture of vinegar and water, or a toilet bowl cleaner like The Works, which contains a diluted form of hydrochloric acid. Just be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when using acidic products, and rinse the boat thoroughly afterward.

If you are looking for a more natural approach, some people have had success using vinegar on an old cloth or towel. You can also try using a mild soap solution and a damp cloth to prevent scratches. However, be aware that harsh detergents, solvents, and dry cloths can scratch plastic windshields.

To prevent scum buildup in the first place, be sure to rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if it has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if you have traveled over salty roads.

Clean painted and unpainted hull surfaces

To clean the painted and unpainted hull surfaces of your aluminum boat, you should first rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if it has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if it has been transported over salty roads.

Next, use a wet rag to wipe away any visible scum line around the hull waterline after hauling the boat onto its trailer. Dried scum will be more difficult to remove and may eventually stain the hull.

To clean the hull surfaces, use a product like XPS Aluminum Cleaner or a mild detergent with warm water. Avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish. Apply XPS Wax and Sealant to painted hull surfaces to preserve the original finish.

You can also use a pressure washer to clean the underside of the hull. Be sure to wear protective gear if you use any harsh chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, to clean your boat.

For painted aluminum boats, you can also use a color restorer for the paint and then wax it.

Apply wax and sealant to painted hull surfaces

To apply wax and sealant to painted hull surfaces, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to understand the benefits of waxing and sealing your boat. Regular waxing and painting help to retain a 'like new' finish by restoring your boat's shine and protecting it from water stains. Waxing and sealing are essential to protect your boat from the harsh effects of the marine environment, including UV rays and saltwater.

Before applying any wax or sealant, ensure that the hull surface is clean, washed, and free of any salt, dirt, mould, grime, and stains. Use an environmentally friendly boat wash for this step.

Now, let's move on to the process of waxing and sealing:

• Polishing: Depending on the level of damage, you may need to polish the hull surface to restore the gel coat layer. Different polishing techniques, such as wet polishing or rubbing compounds, can be used. Polishing helps to remove oxidation, cloudiness, and small scratches. It is usually done using a mechanical buffer.
• Applying Wax: After polishing, apply thin layers of wax coating to seal and protect the polished surface. There are different types of wax available, including carnauba wax, cleaner wax, polishing wax, and restorer wax. Choose the one that best suits the condition of your hull.
• Applying Sealant: Sealants are chemically engineered to bond to the surface and provide a longer-lasting protection of about nine months to a year. They can be used on aluminium and stainless steel surfaces. Sealants create a clear, hardened polymer barrier that protects against saltwater, ultraviolet light, and weather conditions.
• Optional Buffing: If you desire a polished finish, leave the waxed surface overnight and then buff it with a clean, lint-free cloth.

By following these steps, you will effectively apply wax and sealant to the painted hull surfaces of your aluminium boat tower, protecting it from the elements and maintaining its shine.

Avoid abrasive materials and cleaners

When cleaning an aluminum boat tower, it is important to avoid using abrasive materials and cleaners. This is because they can damage the finish of your boat tower, leaving it vulnerable to corrosion.

Abrasive materials such as steel wool, abrasive brushes, and polishing wheels can wear down and harm the finish of your boat tower. They can also scratch the surface, creating an ideal environment for corrosion to take hold. Instead, opt for soft microfiber cloths, sponges, or soft-bristled brushes. These will be gentle on the surface of your boat tower while still effectively removing dirt and grime.

It is also important to avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the anodized coating that protects the aluminum from corrosion. Strong solvents, harsh chemicals, and concentrated soaps can break down this protective layer, leaving your boat tower susceptible to pitting and corrosion. Instead, use mild, non-abrasive soaps and detergents. These will effectively clean the surface without causing damage.

When dealing with tough stains, opt for specialized aluminum cleaners or polishes. These products are designed to tackle stubborn dirt and stains without causing harm. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products, and be sure to test them on a small, hidden area first to ensure they do not cause any adverse reactions.

Additionally, avoid using bleach, chlorides, or household cleaners that contain abrasives. These products can be too harsh and damage the finish of your boat tower. Instead, stick to purpose-made boat cleaning products, which are designed to effectively clean without causing harm.

Frequently asked questions