Cleaning Your Aluminum Jon Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminium boats are prone to developing an oxidized coating, so a dedicated aluminium cleaner is required to get through this layer and properly clean the aluminium. To clean an aluminium jon boat, first ensure the boat is out of direct sunlight to prevent the metal from becoming too hot to handle. Next, remove any debris, dust, or grease from the surface of the boat. Then, wash the boat with soap and hot water, before applying an aluminium boat cleaner. Finally, wash off the cleaner, and use a restorer and polish to finish.

Use a dedicated aluminium boat 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 protect your boat. Specialised aluminium boat cleaners are required to get through the metal's oxidized coating.

Boat Outfitters' Ultimate Aluminium Cleaner is designed to safely clean aluminium surfaces, removing oxidation, dirt, lime deposits, and waterline stains. It comes in a 64 oz bottle with a sprayer for easy application.

STAR BRITE's Ultimate Aluminium Cleaner & Restorer is another option for cleaning and restoring aluminium boats. It comes in a 64 oz bottle with a sprayer and is perfect for pontoon boats, Jon boats, and canoes.

To get the best results, it is important to clear off any debris, dust, or grease that might have built up on your boat before applying the cleaner. This will make the cleaning process easier and give you clearer aluminium when you're finished.

Wash with soap and hot water

To clean an aluminium jon boat, one of the first steps is to wash it with soap and hot water. This is a crucial step in maintaining the health and longevity of your boat. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively wash your aluminium jon boat using soap and hot water:

Prepare the Boat:

Before applying soap and water, ensure that your boat is free of any debris, dust, or grease. Use a pressure washer or a hose to remove built-up dirt, mud, or gunk. Pay close attention to crevices and cracks, as these areas can trap dirt. If there are stubborn stains or grime, use a brush or a soft scrub pad to loosen them. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from the soap and to prevent your hands from getting dirty.

Mix the Soap Solution:

Ordinary soap and water can be used for this step, but for best results, choose a soap or detergent specifically designed for cleaning aluminium boats. These specialised soaps will help restore the boat's lustre and provide additional protection. Mix the soap or detergent with hot water, following the instructions on the product's packaging for the correct proportions. Ensure you have enough of the soapy mixture to thoroughly wash the entire boat.

Wash the Boat:

Using a soft sponge or a scrub pad, apply the soapy mixture to the boat's surface. Work in small sections to ensure you don't miss any spots. Gently scrub the aluminium, paying extra attention to areas with stains or discolouration. Rinse each section with clean, hot water after scrubbing to remove the soap residue. Make sure to dry each section with a clean cloth or towel as you go to prevent water spots and streaking.

Rinsing and Drying:

Once you've scrubbed and rinsed the entire boat, give it a final, thorough rinse with clean, hot water to remove any remaining soap residue. Ensure that all soap is washed away, as soap residue can leave water spots and streaks when dried. After rinsing, dry the boat completely with clean towels or cloths. You can also use a squeegee to remove excess water, making the drying process faster and more efficient.

Repeat as Needed:

Depending on the condition of your boat, you may need to repeat the washing process a second time to achieve the desired level of cleanliness. Alternatively, you can perform a two-step washing process, where you do a preliminary wash to remove surface dirt and a second, more thorough wash to address any remaining stains or discolouration.

Use a restorer and polish

To restore and polish your jon boat, you will need a marine-grade polish such as 3M Marine Aluminum Restorer and Polish, safety gloves, a respirator mask, and goggles. You will also need sandpaper in varying grit levels, a buffing wheel or cloth, and a rotary polisher (optional).

Step 1: Prepare your boat

Remove all electronics and fixtures from your boat and put on protective clothing. Prepare a cleaning solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water, or use an aluminium boat cleaner.

Step 2: Clean your boat

Spray your boat with the cleaning solution to dislodge debris and contaminants. Scrub the surface with a sponge or towel, then rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Step 3: Sand your boat

Sand the boat's surface with 180-grit sandpaper, then move up to 400 or 600 grit. You can also use 1500-grit sandpaper for optimal results. Sanding will remove bumps and create a smooth, reflective surface.

Step 4: Apply compound

Use a rotary polisher with a buffing wheel, or polish by hand with a clean cloth. Apply the marine-grade polish to the boat in side-to-side or circular motions, ensuring each stroke overlaps. Work slowly and deliberately, reapplying polish to the buffing pad or cloth as needed.

Step 5: Apply colour polish and wax

Once the compound has dried and your boat is shining, apply a colour polish using the same method as above. Finally, apply a marine-grade wax to protect and seal the surface.

Avoid using bleach

Bleach is a common household product that can kill algae and bacteria and remove corrosion from the hull, restoring the boat's appearance. However, it is advisable to avoid using bleach when cleaning an aluminum Jon boat. Bleach can damage your skin and eyes and will stain your clothes. It is also harmful to the ecosystem as it can kill marine life.

In addition, long-term exposure to bleach can cause aluminum to oxidize, leaving a whitish crust or tint on the surface of your boat. Bleach is made by reacting chlorine with sodium hydroxide, and aluminum is not compatible with caustic solutions. Even a low concentration of caustic solutions can destroy aluminum very quickly.

Instead of bleach, you can use a dedicated aluminum boat cleaner to brighten, protect, and restore shine to your boat. You can also use a mild acid diluted to get your boat really clean.

To avoid damaging your boat and harming the environment, it is best to avoid using bleach and opt for alternative cleaning solutions designed specifically for aluminum boats.

Cover your boat with a tarp or towels to keep it out of the sun

When cleaning an aluminum boat, it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight. If you're cleaning your boat on a hot day, the metal can become too hot to handle, so it's best to clean your boat on a normal day, preferably in the shade.

To keep your boat out of the sun, you can use a tarp or towels to temporarily cover the aluminum parts of your boat. This will keep the metal cool and make it easier to handle during the cleaning process.

When covering your boat, make sure to drape the tarp or towels over the boat loosely. This will allow air to circulate and prevent the boat from getting too hot underneath the cover. You can use ropes or bungee cords to secure the tarp in place, especially if it's windy.

If you don't have a tarp, you can use old towels or blankets to cover your boat. Make sure the coverings are thick enough to block the sun's rays effectively. You can also use a reflective tarp or covering to deflect the sunlight away from the boat, keeping it cool.

By keeping your boat out of the sun while cleaning, you'll not only make the process more comfortable, but you'll also protect the metal from excessive heat, which can cause damage or affect the cleaning process.

Frequently asked questions