Cleaning Aluminum Boat Salt Pits: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminum boats are known for their durability and longevity, but they can be prone to corrosion. Pitting is a common problem that can occur on aluminum boats, and it can be very unsightly. Pitting is caused by exposure to saltwater and appears as small, shallow holes in the surface of the aluminum. While you can't completely erase pitting, you can certainly minimize its appearance and prevent it from getting worse. In this article, we will discuss how to clean and restore aluminum boats affected by salt pit corrosion, as well as provide tips for preventing pitting in the future.

Identify salt pits

Salt pits, or pitting, are small, shallow holes in the surface of the aluminium. It can make the surface of the metal look a bit like the surface of the moon. Pitting is a type of corrosion that occurs when aluminium is exposed to saltwater or other corrosive materials. It can cause the surface of the boat to become rough and can reduce the lifespan of an aluminium boat, making it more susceptible to further damage.

The first step in treating pitting is to identify it. Pitting corrosion often appears as small, pinpoint holes or cavities on the surface of the aluminium. It is important to catch pitting early, as it can be difficult to completely repair. While it is possible to minimise the appearance of pitting and prevent it from worsening, it cannot be completely erased.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preventing pitting. Boat owners should rinse their boats thoroughly after each use, especially if the boat has been in saltwater. A power washer can be useful for blasting away grime, but a simple hose will also work. It is also important to keep the boat dry and store it in a covered area when not in use.

In addition to cleaning, protective coatings can help prevent pitting. Boat owners can use a protective sealant or wax designed for aluminium to create a barrier against corrosive elements. Regularly inspecting the boat for any signs of pitting is also important, and any issues should be addressed as soon as they arise.

Clean the surface

Before you begin treating the salt pits, it's important to give your boat a thorough clean. Start by rinsing off all the dirt from the aluminium surface. You can use a power washer to blast away grime, or a hose will also do the trick.

Next, wash the surface with a soap that has mild alkalinity. Avoid using common dish soap, as it often has high alkaline levels that can strip the wax from the surface. Once you've finished washing, dry the surface thoroughly with a microfiber towel.

Now, it's time to identify the salt pits. Salt pits are usually small, shallow holes in the surface of the aluminium, and they can make the surface look a bit like the surface of the moon. If you're not sure whether you're dealing with salt pits, you can try sticking a pin or toothpick into the affected area. If the pin doesn't go in, it's likely just a stain on the surface.

Once you've confirmed the presence of salt pits, it's time to create a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl. The acidic solution will help to clean and brighten the aluminium. Soak a cloth in the vinegar solution and apply it to the pitted areas. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. If it's a hot day, you may need to reapply the solution to prevent it from drying out.

After the vinegar has had time to work, use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the pitted areas. Be careful not to scratch the aluminium. Rinse off the vinegar solution with plenty of water, then dry the surface to prevent any water spots from forming.

Prepare a cleaning solution

To prepare a cleaning solution for removing salt pits from an aluminium boat, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar will help to clean and brighten the aluminium. You can also try a mixture of baking soda and water, using a soft brush to scrub the affected area.

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty solution, you can try Alumabrite CBX. This is an acidic solution that will need to be diluted with water and then sprayed or brushed onto the aluminium surface. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, and test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage to your boat.

Another option is to use a product called Alumetron, which is a clear coat that can protect your aluminium boat from salt and corrosion for up to 10 years. This will involve first wet-sanding the surface to remove any visible pits, and then applying the Alumetron with a lint-free cotton cloth. You can extend the warranty of Alumetron from 3 years to 5 years by applying 2 coats of VS721 over the clear coat.

Alternatively, you can try commercial cleaning products such as Woody Wax, Flitz, Speedy, or Boat Clean Plus. These products can help to remove oxidation and restore shine to your aluminium boat. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaning or maintenance product on your boat.

Apply the solution

Now that you have prepared a cleaning solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, it's time to apply it to the pitted areas of your aluminum boat. Soak a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and generously apply it to the affected areas. Ensure that the cloth is soaked but not dripping wet. You don't want excess liquid dripping onto other parts of the boat.

Let the solution sit for around 15 to 30 minutes. The vinegar will start to work on the corrosion and help dissolve the salt deposits. If you are working on a hot day, keep an eye on the solution and reapply it as needed to prevent it from drying out. You want to keep the pitted areas moist throughout the process.

After the solution has had sufficient time to work, use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to gently scrub the pitted areas. Be careful not to be too aggressive as you don't want to scratch the aluminum surface. Work the solution into the pits, and if necessary, use a toothbrush or a similar small brush to get into tight spaces.

Once you have scrubbed the area, it's time to rinse off the vinegar solution with plenty of fresh water. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse the entire boat to remove any remaining vinegar, which could potentially damage the aluminum if left for an extended period. After rinsing, dry the boat's surface with a microfiber towel or a soft cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

At this stage, the pitted areas should be much improved, but you can take it a step further by polishing the aluminum. Using a metal polish designed specifically for aluminum, follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the polish to the pitted areas. This will help smooth out any remaining pits and restore the shine to your boat.

Finally, consider sealing and protecting your boat to prevent future corrosion. Apply an aluminum sealer or wax to create a barrier that will protect the surface and maintain its newly polished shine. You may also want to apply a clear coat to ensure the aluminum is fully sealed and protected from further damage. Always follow the product instructions to ensure proper application.

Scrub the surface

Once you have identified pitting on your aluminium boat, it is time to clean the surface. It is important to use a mild detergent and soft cloth when cleaning the boat. You can also use a soft brush to scrub the surface. Be sure to use a scrub brush that won't scratch the aluminium.

First, rinse off all the dirt from the aluminium surface. A power washer can be useful for blasting away grime, but you can also use a hose. Next, wash the surface with a soap that has mild alkalinity. Common dish soap can have high alkaline levels that might end up stripping the wax off the surface you're cleaning. Once you're finished washing, thoroughly dry the surface with a microfiber towel.

Now, prepare a cleaning solution. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. This acidic solution will help to clean and brighten the aluminium. Soak a cloth in the vinegar solution and apply it to the pitted areas. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. If it's a hot day, you may need to reapply the solution to prevent it from drying out.

After the vinegar has had time to work, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the pitted areas. Be gentle—you don't want to scratch the aluminium. Rinse off the vinegar solution with plenty of water, then dry the surface to prevent any water spots from forming.

If the pits are not too deep, you can restore your aluminium boat to its former glory. Wet sand the surface until most, if not all, of the pits are no longer visible. If you have flat panels, use 800-grit wet sandpaper and a flat sanding block. Keep the surface wet and sand back and forth, with the grain. If you sand across the grain or in circles, you will see the striation marks or swirls. If you want a higher shine, you can go over it again with 1,000-grit sandpaper, but 800 should give you a satisfactory finish.

On the tubes, use 600-grit wet sandpaper and keep the surface wet at all times. Sand with the grain only. On most aluminium tubes, the grain is perpendicular to the length. If you have long sheets of wet sandpaper, you can draw the paper back and forth around the tube. With shorter lengths of sandpaper, you can wrap it around and work it back and forth with your hand.

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