Cleaning Aluminum Drift Boats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Owning a boat is a dream for many, but it's also a lot of work. If you're lucky enough to own an aluminum drift boat, you'll want to keep it in tip-top shape. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preserving the appearance and longevity of your vessel. In this guide, we'll cover everything from choosing the right cleaning products to dealing with tough grime and stains. So grab your scrubbers and get ready to make your boat shine!

How to Clean an Aluminum Drift Boat

Rinse with fresh water after each use

Rinsing your aluminum drift boat with fresh water after each use is a crucial step in maintaining the longevity and appearance of your boat. This is especially important if your boat has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if you've been traveling over salty roads.

• Park your boat in a shady spot, as direct sunlight can heat the aluminum, making it too hot to handle.
• Use a hose or bucket to thoroughly rinse the entire boat with fresh water. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring that all surfaces are free of debris and buildup.
• Pay close attention to the hull, as this is the part of the boat that is most susceptible to the buildup of dirt, algae, marine life, and barnacles, which can cause discoloration and affect the boat's performance.
• If there is a visible scum line around the hull waterline, use a wet rag to wipe it away immediately. Dried scum will be more difficult to remove and may eventually stain the hull.
• Ensure that all compartments and storage areas are also rinsed and free of debris.
• After rinsing, dry your boat properly using a sponge, microfiber cloth, or chamois to prevent water spots and streaks from forming as it air dries.
• If you have access to a pressure washer, you may use it to rinse your boat. However, exercise caution as high-pressure water can damage the boat's surfaces if not used carefully.

Remember that regular cleaning and maintenance of your aluminum drift boat are essential to preventing corrosion and maintaining its value. By taking the time to properly rinse and dry your boat after each use, you will help ensure that it looks its best and performs at its peak for years to come.

Use a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner

Aluminium boats are unique and require special care. While many boat owners may treat aluminium as just another material on their boat, it has its own set of quirks and properties. For instance, aluminium is prone to developing an oxidised coating. This is due to the metal's reactivity with air and water, which causes it to lose its shine and makes it susceptible to corrosion.

Therefore, to properly clean an aluminium boat, it is imperative to use a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner. These specialised cleaners are designed to cut through the oxidised layer and effectively clean the aluminium itself, rather than just the surface coating. Ordinary soap and water will not be sufficient to restore the metal's lustre and protect your boat.

When selecting an aluminium cleaner, look for products specifically formulated for aluminium boat hulls, such as XPS Aluminium Cleaner, Toon-Brite, or Star Brite. These cleaners are designed to quickly and safely remove waterline scum, algae stains, mould, and oxidation, leaving your boat with a bright and clean finish. It is important to follow the instructions on the bottle for dilution and application, as these chemicals are strong and can damage the hull if used too frequently or incorrectly.

Before applying the aluminium boat cleaner, it is crucial to perform an initial wash to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a garden hose or bucket to rinse the boat, then fill a bucket with hot water and add car soap. Use a sponge or scrubber to scrub the boat's surfaces, and for problem areas, you can try using steel wool. Ensure that all surfaces are free of debris before proceeding to the next step.

Once the initial wash is complete, it's time to apply the aluminium boat cleaning solution. Soak a scrubbing brush in the diluted solution and thoroughly clean all aluminium surfaces, paying extra attention to any stubborn spots. After scrubbing, refer to the product instructions to determine if the solution needs time to set into the metal or if it can be rinsed off immediately.

Finally, rinse the boat thoroughly to wash away the cleaning solution. If desired, you can use a buffing cloth or machine to bring out the aluminium's shine. Apply aluminium polish to the buffing pad or cloth and work it into the boat's surface using circular motions. Whether you choose to buff by hand or machine, always ensure that you are thorough and cover all aluminium areas.

Use a pressure washer

Using a pressure washer is a great way to deep clean your aluminum drift boat and keep it in top condition. This method is especially useful if you have an aluminum boat that has been exposed to saltwater, polluted water, or freshwater with algae, marine life, or barnacles. Here are the steps to effectively clean your boat using a pressure washer:

Step 1: Prepare the Soap Solution

Attach the pressure washer soap nozzle to a garden hose. Mix biodegradable car soap with water in the appropriate ratio as per the manufacturer's instructions. This solution will help loosen and remove dirt, grime, and organic matter from the boat's surface.

Step 2: Apply the Soap Solution

Spray the boat with the soap solution, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Allow the soap to soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn grime and make the cleaning process more effective. Ensure that the soap does not dry on the surface, as it will only add another layer to clean.

Step 3: Rinse with Pressure Washer

Thoroughly rinse the boat from top to bottom using the pressure washer. Pay close attention to areas where dirt and grime are more likely to accumulate, such as the hull and waterline. Make sure to rinse off all the detergent from the boat's surfaces and flush out the motor.

Step 4: Dry the Boat

After rinsing, use a sponge or microfiber cloth to dry the boat properly. This step is crucial to prevent water spots and streaks from forming on the aluminum surface. Ensure that all surfaces are wiped down and no water spots are left behind to maintain the boat's appearance and cleanliness.

Step 5: Inspect and Repeat if Necessary

Once the boat is dry, inspect it for any remaining stubborn grime or dirt. If there are still areas that require cleaning, repeat the process, ensuring that you follow the safety guidelines and maintaining an appropriate distance while using the pressure washer.

Using a pressure washer is an effective way to deep clean your aluminum drift boat. However, it is important to exercise caution when using this equipment, as high-pressure water can damage the boat's surfaces if not used carefully. Always follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided with your pressure washer to ensure a safe and effective cleaning experience.

Apply a protective wax or polish

After cleaning your aluminium boat, it is important to apply a protective wax or polish to create a barrier against the elements. This will help to maintain the boat's appearance and protect the surface from the effects of oxidation.

Firstly, ensure that your boat is thoroughly dried with a sponge or microfiber cloth. This will prevent water spots and streaks from forming on the surface.

Next, apply a polish to maintain the boat's appearance and protect the surface from the elements. You can use a buffing chamois and some buffing products to polish the boat. Follow the instructions of the buffing chemicals and ensure the boat is dry before buffing for the best results.

Finally, apply boat wax at least once a year to maintain the high shine and protect the aluminium surface. You can apply the wax one or two days after the boat has been cleaned and dried. Follow the instructions of the boat wax you have selected and ensure you avoid non-skid surfaces.

Store in a dry, covered area

Once your aluminum drift boat is clean, it's important to store it in a dry, covered area. This is because constant water exposure could lead to hull damage, waterline grime, and other issues. Dry storage for boats helps protect your boat from damage while allowing you to use it whenever you want.

Dry boat storage is an area or facility used to store boats out of the water when they’re not in use. When you’re done using your boat, you can choose to keep it in the water or “dry” store it, which means storing it on land. Dry storing involves holding lots of boats on racks elevated off the ground. These racks are designed specifically for boats to minimize the risk of harm to the hull. Covered racks offer more weather protection but might not be necessary depending on where you live.

Dry storage brings boats out of the water, while methods like wet storage keep the boats in the water even when you aren’t using them. Dry boat storage has several benefits over wet storage, allowing boat owners to protect their boats while storing them securely. Focusing on quality boat storage helps protect your investment and extend your boat’s life.

Dry boat storage offers excellent protection from the elements, which can easily harm your boat over time. Keeping your boat out of the water when not in use helps prevent damaging issues like corrosion, marine life growth, and hull osmosis. Being covered helps reduce ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure, minimizing exterior and interior component damage.

Overall, dry storage is an excellent boat storage method. You can protect and preserve your boat’s condition when not in use for a longer lifespan and a better-looking boat. Many boat owners require boat storage for the off-season, and dry storage helps meet this need while freeing up water space for other users. With the right storage method, you’ll secure your investment and enjoy the convenience of quick access.

Frequently asked questions