Cleaning An Oxidized Aluminum Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminum boats are lighter than fiberglass boats, making them easier to launch and load. They are also more resilient, but they still require maintenance to keep their shine. Aluminum boats tend to develop an oxidized coating, which can be removed with a dedicated aluminum boat cleaner. This process will involve washing the boat with soap and water, cleaning it with an aluminum boat cleaner, and buffing it with aluminum polish.

Use a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner

Aluminium boats are highly resistant to rust and are therefore suitable for both salt and fresh water. However, they do require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Aluminium boats tend to develop an oxidised coating over time, which can be removed using a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner. This is an important step, as ordinary soap and water will only clean the surface of the aluminium, and will not effectively restore its shine or provide protection.

When choosing a cleaner, look for a low-micron cleaner that will brighten, protect and shine the aluminium. These cleaners are designed to cut through the oxidised layer, so you are cleaning the aluminium itself, rather than just the coating.

One recommended product is Star Brite Alum Cleaner and Restorer. This is an acid-based product, so it is important to wear rubber gloves when handling it. Simply spray it on, scrub lightly with a pad, and then hose it off. This product is designed for bare aluminium, but it can also be used on decal designs without causing harm.

Another recommended product is JJV's Best Aluminium Cleaner, which is non-acidic and leaves the aluminium with a bright, almost-white finish.

For more heavily soiled boats, a product such as Zep-A-Lume may be required. This is a highly acidic product, so it is important to neutralise the acid after use by washing the boat with a solution of warm water and baking soda. A home remedy alternative is a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice in warm water.

After using a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner, you may wish to apply a wax or sealant to protect the finish and make future cleanups easier.

Remove debris, dust, and grease before applying cleaner

Before applying any cleaning product to your aluminum boat, it's important to clear off any debris, dust, or grease that has built up. This will ensure that the cleaning process is more effective and will also help you achieve a clearer finish.

Start by spraying down the aluminum surfaces to help loosen any dirt and grime. You can use a hose for this step, but if your boat is heavily soiled, a pressure washer may be more effective. Once the surface is damp, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away any visible debris. Pay particular attention to areas where dirt and grime are likely to accumulate, such as around rivets, in corners, and along the waterline. If you're having trouble removing stubborn dirt, try using a mild detergent or a specialized aluminum boat cleaner. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully and test it on a small area first to ensure it won't damage the finish.

If your boat has grease stains, there are a few different methods you can try to remove them. One option is to use a commercial degreaser, following the instructions on the product. Alternatively, you can make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the grease stain. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft brush or cloth. Finally, you can also try using a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak a cloth in the solution and lay it over the grease stain for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Once you've removed all the debris, dust, and grease, rinse the boat with fresh water to remove any residue. This will ensure that your chosen cleaning product can work effectively in the next step.

Remember to prioritize your safety when cleaning your boat. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to shield yourself from any chemicals or debris. Additionally, if you're using a pressure washer or commercial cleaning products, be sure to follow the instructions and warnings on the equipment and packaging.

Wash with soap and water first

To clean an oxidized aluminum boat, you'll first want to give it a good wash with soap and water. This will remove loose dirt and debris, and it's important to do this before applying any other products.

Begin by spraying down the aluminum surfaces to help loosen any dirt and grime. Fill a bucket with hot water and add some car soap or a mild detergent. Soak a sponge in the soapy water and scrub the boat. For any problem areas that don't come clean, try using steel wool or a scrub pad to scour them. If they still don't come clean, don't worry—the aluminum cleaning solution in the next step will help tackle them.

When you've finished scrubbing the boat, rinse it down with fresh water, especially if it's been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water. If your boat has been sitting on a salty road, be sure to give it a rinse.

Once you've given your boat this initial wash, you can move on to the next step: applying an aluminum boat cleaning solution.

It's worth noting that if you're cleaning your boat on a hot day, the metal can get very hot. It's best to clean your boat in mild weather, preferably in a shady spot.

Buff with an aluminium polish

Buffing your aluminium boat is an important step in the cleaning process, as it will bring out the shine of the metal and protect it from the elements. You can choose to buff your boat by hand or with a buffing machine, but either way, you will need to start by applying aluminium polish to a buffing cloth or pad.

If you are buffing by hand, you will then press the cloth or pad to the boat's surface and begin buffing in a circular pattern until you have covered the entire aluminium surface, reapplying the polish as needed. Remember that hand-buffing can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially if the aluminium is heavily oxidised.

If you are using a buffing machine, start by applying the polish to the pad while it is in motion. Press the pad into the aluminium and buff slowly from side to side, being thorough and covering all the aluminium. You will only need to make one pass if you buff slowly and deliberately. As with hand-buffing, you will need to keep adding polish to the pad as you work.

Keep an eye on the edge of the buffing pad and clear it of any polish build-up or aluminium particles with a buffing rake—a hard, metal comb that cleans the pad and prepares it for fresh polish.

Avoid abrasive cleansers

When cleaning an oxidized aluminum boat, it is important to avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish of the boat. While abrasive cleansers can be effective at removing oxidation, they can also be too harsh and cause damage to the boat's surface.

Aluminum boats have a corrosion-resistant urethane finish that should be maintained. Abrasive cleansers can strip away this finish, leaving the boat vulnerable to corrosion and staining. Therefore, it is recommended to use mild detergents or specialized aluminum boat cleaners to safely and effectively clean the boat's exterior.

In addition to avoiding abrasive cleansers, it is also important to protect the boat's interior. Harsh cleaners can remove the protective coating on vinyl upholstery, so mild detergents or specialized marine upholstery cleaners should be used instead.

For bare, unfinished aluminum, the use of abrasive cleansers is also not recommended. While oxidation on bare aluminum is harmless, it can be unsightly. However, the use of abrasive cleansers can damage the aluminum surface and create an inconsistent appearance. Instead, corrosive acids or abrasive polishing techniques can be used to remove oxidation, followed by a treatment to prevent further oxidation.

Overall, by avoiding abrasive cleansers and solvents, you can effectively clean and maintain your aluminum boat while preserving its finish and protecting it from corrosion and staining.

Frequently asked questions