Protecting Your Aluminum Boat: Dock Covering Tips

Aluminum boats are lightweight yet durable, making them a popular choice for boaters. However, they are not entirely corrosion-proof, especially if made from low-grade aluminum. Corrosion can occur when a boat comes into contact with water or dissimilar metals, causing a galvanic reaction. To prevent this, it is important to cover your aluminum boat when docked. This can be done using a boat cover made from materials such as 60/40 polycotton or Hot Shot fabric, which protect the interior and console from the elements. Additionally, floating boat lifts can be used to keep the boat out of the water when not in use, reducing the likelihood of corrosion.

Use a cover made from the right material, such as 60/40 polycotton or Hot Shot fabric

Aluminium boats are extremely light and durable, but they are not entirely corrosion-proof. To protect your boat from the elements, you should invest in a high-quality boat cover made from the right material. Taylor Made Products offers a range of durable boat covers designed to fit several makes and models of boats with the same hull style. Their covers are made from either 60/40 polycotton or Hot Shot fabric, both of which are excellent choices for protecting your boat.

The 60/40 polycotton material is a blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester, combining the benefits of both fibres. Cotton is a natural fibre known for its breathability, softness, and comfort, while polyester is a synthetic fibre that adds durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture management. Polycotton is a popular choice for boat covers as it offers a good balance between comfort and performance. It is breathable, yet more durable than pure cotton, and it can withstand the sun, wind, and rain better.

Hot Shot fabric, on the other hand, is an acrylic-coated polyester fabric. It is designed to be breathable and lightweight while also providing excellent protection against water, mildew, and UV rays. Hot Shot fabric is fade-resistant and built to last, making it a great choice for boat covers that will withstand the elements and extensive use.

When choosing between 60/40 polycotton and Hot Shot fabric for your boat cover, consider the specific needs and conditions your boat will be subjected to. Both materials offer unique benefits that can enhance the protection and performance of your boat cover. Additionally, Taylor Made Products' boat covers come with a 5-year warranty, ensuring that your purchase is protected and providing peace of mind.

By selecting a cover made from the right material, such as 60/40 polycotton or Hot Shot fabric, you can effectively shield your aluminium boat from the elements and potential corrosion, keeping it in top condition for years to come.

Prevent corrosion by using floating boat lifts

Aluminum boats are extremely light and durable, but they are not entirely corrosion-proof. The easiest way to prevent corrosion is to keep your boat out of the water when it's not in use. Floating boat lifts are an excellent solution for this, as they don't require a power source and can save you the time and money spent on hauling your boat in and out of the water.

Floating boat lifts, such as those offered by Jet Dock, are made from polypropylene, which has a low probability of galvanic corrosion. This means that your boat will be less likely to corrode when using one of these lifts. Additionally, these lifts come in a variety of options depending on the size and type of boat you have, including static floating boat lifts, air-assisted floating boat lifts, and multi-hull floating boat lifts.

Static floating boat lifts have no moving parts and require no electricity, making them maintenance-free. Air-assisted floating boat lifts utilize air chambers to easily lift heavier watercraft. Multi-hull boat lifts are perfect for pontoon boats, accommodating both twin-hull and tri-hull vessels.

By using a floating boat lift, you can protect your aluminum boat from corrosion and avoid the hassle and expense of constant cleaning and repainting. It's important to choose the right type of lift for your boat and follow proper maintenance procedures to ensure the longevity of your watercraft.

Prevent galvanic corrosion with zinc anodes

Aluminium boats are corrosion-resistant but not corrosion-proof, especially if low-grade aluminium is used. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to prevent and protect your boat from the effects of oxidation and corrosion.

Galvanic corrosion is more prevalent when boating in saltwater, but boats in freshwater are not immune. Saltwater is an electrically conductive solution, so a metal in contact with it will give up atoms to a dissimilar metal in the same solution. When metal loses atoms, it begins to fall apart or corrode. Unfortunately, aluminium is a lot more chemically active, so it is extremely susceptible to galvanic corrosion around other metals except for zinc and magnesium.

Zinc, as mentioned, is not as active as aluminium, so having zinc anodes electrically connected to the aluminium parts will act as protection. Don't overdo it, though—too many zinc anodes will cause the zinc to develop a crust and stop working. The zinc essentially gives the aluminium extra electrodes to shed rather than the aluminium giving up its own, effectively corroding the zinc before the aluminium.

Sacrificial anodes can extend the life of your boat's hull, engine, rudder, propeller shaft, engine cooling system, refrigeration condenser, and other metal components by protecting them from the deterioration caused by galvanic corrosion.

The effectiveness of an anode depends on a good electrical connection and is directly proportional to its surface area. As it corrodes away, its surface area and effectiveness diminish. Some manufacturers suggest replacing anodes when they are two-thirds gone, but it is recommended to replace them when they are half-eroded or half-dissolved. If an anode is allowed to dissolve completely, the next least noble piece of metal in the circuit will start to dissolve, and that might be a part of your engine.

Remember that polluted water, warm water temperatures, and stray current corrosion can cause your anodes to wear away at an accelerated rate, so it's smart to check them regularly.

Zinc or aluminium anodes should be used in saltwater to prevent galvanic corrosion on the engine and underwater parts of your boat.

Protect the boat from dock rash by using stickers or paint

Protecting your aluminium boat from dock rash is important to keep it in good condition. While there is no surefire way to prevent it, there are several methods to reduce the chances of it occurring.

One way to protect your boat is by using stickers or decals to cover up any existing dock rash. This is a simple and cost-effective solution, as you can purchase stickers or decals that match your boat's colour. You can also use stickers as a preventative measure by sticking them on areas of your boat that are prone to dock rash.

Another option is to use paint. If you plan to repaint your boat, you can lightly sand the affected areas with 220-grit sandpaper to remove scratches and create a smooth surface. Then, apply a marine fairing compound or auto body filler to cover any damage and sand it down again until it's smooth. Finally, you can paint the boat with a colour-matching paint or coating.

Additionally, you can use a combination of stickers and paint. For example, you could use stickers as a temporary solution while waiting for the paint to dry or to cover up any minor scratches that occurred during the painting process.

Remember, the best way to avoid dock rash is to pull your boat out of the water and onto a trailer when it's not in use. However, if that's not possible, using stickers or paint can help protect your boat from scratches and keep it looking its best.

Use a boat bumper/fender to prevent scratches

Boat bumpers or fenders are an essential tool to protect your aluminium boat from scratches, dents, and other damage. They act as a cushion between your boat and the dock, preventing your boat from being scratched or damaged. They are made from tough, long-lasting materials like vinyl, foam, or rubber, and come in different shapes and sizes to fit different boats and docking needs.

Types of Boat Bumpers/Fenders

• Cylinder fenders are long and tube-shaped, the most popular type, and work well for many boats.
• Round fenders, or ball fenders, are bigger and better at absorbing heavy impacts. They are great for large or heavy boats and uneven docks.
• Flat fenders are thinner and lie flat against the boat. They are great for boats with little storage space or flat hulls, and for tight docking spaces.
• Transom fenders protect the back of the boat and are perfect for boats with swim platforms or accessories on the transom.
• Inflatable fenders are lightweight and can be deflated when not in use, making them convenient for boats with limited storage.
• Dock and corner fenders are fixed to docks or pilings, not boats, and protect boats when docking or mooring in specific spots.

Choosing the Right Boat Bumper/Fender

When choosing a boat bumper or fender, consider the size of your boat and where you dock most often. Larger boats need larger fenders—a good rule of thumb is to have one for every 10 feet of your boat's length. If you dock in calm water, smaller fenders may be enough, while rough water calls for bigger or more durable fenders. If you dock in tight spaces, flat fenders are a good choice, and if your boat has limited storage space, look for inflatable or flat fenders that are easy to store.

Maintaining Your Boat Bumper/Fender

To keep your boat bumper or fender in good shape:

• Clean regularly: Wash them with soap and water to remove dirt and salt.
• Inspect for damage: Check for cracks or leaks.
• Store properly: Deflate and store inflatable fenders in a dry, cool place.
• Keep them out of the water as much as possible to reduce the build-up of dirt, water, and salt.
• Spray and scrub your fenders regularly to reduce stains and build-up.
• Dry your fenders before returning them to storage to mitigate the risk of mildew growth.

High-quality fenders will last longer and provide better protection. They will handle rough conditions without tearing, resist UV rays, saltwater, and wear, and maintain their shape and effectiveness over time.

Frequently asked questions