Cleaning And Waxing Aluminum Boats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminum boats are a common sight on the waters, and their maintenance is crucial to keep them in top condition. Regular cleaning and waxing not only preserve the boat's appearance but also protect its value. This involves removing dirt, stains, and organisms like algae and barnacles from the hull, which can cause discoloration, increase fuel consumption, and reduce the boat's speed and overall performance. Proper maintenance can increase the boat's longevity, improve its appearance, and make it more appealing to potential buyers. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to cleaning and waxing an aluminum boat, covering various methods, products, and important considerations to achieve a showroom shine.

Rinse with fresh water after each use

Rinsing your aluminium boat with fresh water after each use is an essential step in maintaining the boat's appearance and performance. This is especially important if the boat has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if it has been transported over salty roads.

The first step is to rinse the boat thoroughly with fresh water. This will remove any salt, pollutants, or other contaminants that may have accumulated during use. It is important to pay close attention to the hull of the boat, as this is the area most prone to build-up and discolouration.

Next, use a wet rag to wipe away any visible scum or residue around the hull waterline. This should be done immediately after hauling the boat out of the water and onto its trailer. If left to dry, the scum will be more difficult to remove and may eventually stain the hull, affecting the boat's appearance and performance.

If there is dried scum or stubborn stains, a mild detergent or boat soap can be used in conjunction with the fresh water rinse. Choose a detergent that is specifically designed for aluminium boats, or a gentle, biodegradable car soap. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or solvents, as these can damage the finish of the boat.

For a more powerful clean, a pressure washer can be used in place of a garden hose. This is particularly useful if the boat has been exposed to polluted or brackish water. Attach a pressure washer soap nozzle to the hose and spray the boat, starting from the bottom. Allow the soap to soak for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly from top to bottom. Ensure that all detergent is washed off and that the motor is flushed out.

By rinsing your aluminium boat with fresh water after each use, you can effectively remove contaminants and prevent the build-up of dirt, algae, and marine life. This simple step will help maintain the boat's shine, improve fuel economy, and ensure the boat's longevity.

Clean with car soap and a scrubber

To clean an aluminium boat using car soap and a scrubber, start by rinsing the boat with a garden hose. This will help to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, fill a bucket with water and add some biodegradable car soap. Dip the scrubber into the soapy water and give the boat's hull a good scrub. Pay particular attention to the waterline, where scum and algae stains are likely to build up. You may need to use a soft brush or sponge for more sensitive areas.

Once you've scrubbed the entire hull, rinse the soap and dirt off the boat thoroughly with the garden hose. Check to see if the hull is clean enough—if not, you can repeat the process or try a more powerful cleaning method. If you're happy with the results, dry the boat thoroughly before applying any wax or protective coating. This will help to maintain the boat's appearance and value, and it will also make your boat more efficient in the water.

Use a pressure washer

Using a pressure washer can be an effective way to clean your aluminium boat and reduce the time and effort needed for the task. This method can be used as part of your boat's regular maintenance routine, helping you avoid an expensive deep clean after prolonged use.

Step 1: Prepare the Boat

After your sailing session, get the boat to land and attach the pressure washer soap nozzle to a garden hose.

Step 2: Apply Soap

Spray the boat, starting from the bottom, with biodegradable car soap. Allow the soap to soak for about 5 minutes. Ensure it doesn't dry, as this will create an extra layer of grime for you to clean off.

Step 3: Pressure Wash

Rinse the boat thoroughly from top to bottom using the pressure washer. Pay particular attention to the detergent-covered areas and the motor, ensuring that all soap residue is removed.

Step 4: Dry and Protect

After pressure washing, you may want to dry your boat with a chamois or a soft cloth. To protect the aluminium surfaces above the waterline, you can apply a thin layer of protective oil or a similar multipurpose oil. Spray the oil onto the surface and wipe it with a dry cloth.

Additional Tips:

• If your boat has been treated with anti-fouling paint, avoid dry-grinding the hull. Instead, use wet-grinding to remove the paint, and be sure to collect the grinding dust.
• Always clean your boat thoroughly and apply wax to the fibreglass surfaces before the start of the boating season.
• Avoid using abrasive polishing or wax products on anodized aluminium surfaces, such as fittings and railings.

Apply protective oil

After cleaning your aluminium boat, you can apply a thin layer of protective oil to aluminium surfaces above the waterline. This will help protect the surface of your boat. You can either spray the oil onto the surface and wipe it with a dry cloth, or, for a more intensive treatment, apply a generous layer of oil before winter storage, leaving it on through the winter and only wiping it off in the spring. This will also remove any dirt and dust that has accumulated during storage.

There are many protective oils on the market that are suitable for use on aluminium boats. For example, Kwik Shine is a synthetic product that can be used to clean and protect painted aluminium boats. It will not cause paint to bubble in the sun, and it repels dirt, giving you a mirror finish.

Another option is to use a wax product to protect your aluminium boat. Wax will protect the boat's surfaces and make it easier to keep clean. You can apply wax to fibreglass surfaces before the boating season, and it will maintain the shine for longer. However, do not use wax products on anodized aluminium surfaces, such as railings and fittings.

Waxing fibreglass parts

To wax fibreglass parts, you must first understand that fibreglass is part of the manufacturing process, but gel coat is the material that your boat is finished with as the top layer. This layer of gel coat is what needs to be cleaned, polished, and protected.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before waxing, it is important to clean the fibreglass surface thoroughly. Use a mild detergent or a specialised fibreglass cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or oxidation. Rinse the surface with fresh water and ensure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Choose the Right Wax

Select a high-quality wax designed specifically for fibreglass or gel coat surfaces. Look for products labelled as "fibreglass wax", "boat wax", or "marine wax". These products are typically available in paste or liquid form.

Step 3: Apply the Wax

Follow the instructions on your chosen product for application. Generally, you will need to apply the wax in small sections using a soft cloth or applicator pad. Work in the direction of the fibreglass weave to ensure even coverage. Allow the wax to dry according to the product instructions.

Step 4: Buff to a Shine

Once the wax has dried, use a clean, soft cloth to buff the surface to a shine. This will remove any excess wax and create a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 5: Repeat as Necessary

Depending on the condition of your fibreglass parts and the level of protection you desire, you may need to apply multiple coats of wax. Follow the product instructions to determine the recommended number of coats and application frequency.

It is important to note that waxing fibreglass parts is just one aspect of proper boat maintenance. Regular cleaning, polishing, and protection of the gel coat will help maintain the appearance and value of your boat. Additionally, always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when working with cleaning chemicals and waxes.

Frequently asked questions