Aluminum Boat Maintenance: Essential Tips For Owners

Aluminum boats are a common choice for anglers and recreational boaters due to their durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. However, proper maintenance is essential to keep them in good condition, especially when exposed to saltwater. Here are some tips to help you maintain your aluminum boat:

- Keep your boat dry: After each use, rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if it has been exposed to saltwater or polluted water. Drain the water completely and ensure proper air circulation to prevent mould, rust, and odour issues.

- Regular cleaning: Clean the boat's exterior using mild soap, water, and vinegar to remove salt residue and prevent corrosion. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.

- Fuel tank maintenance: Apply paint properly and regularly check for moisture under the paint. Use stainless steel washers or adapters in the fuel system fittings to prevent moisture and corrosion.

- Outboard and trailer maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain trailer components such as brakes, springs, and hubs. Flush the boat motor with fresh water after each use to remove salt buildup.

- Protect the finish: Apply wax or sealant to the hull to preserve the original finish and protect it from discolouration and stains.

How to Maintain an Aluminum Boat

Keep your boat dry

Keeping your aluminium boat dry is essential to preventing issues like mould, rusting, and odour. Here are some tips to ensure your boat stays dry:

Drain the Water

After taking your boat out of the water, let the water drain completely. Some experts recommend keeping the outboard attached and holding the vessel at an angle to facilitate proper drainage. Proper drainage is crucial, as any remaining water can cause similar damage to being in the water.

Inspect and Remove Debris

Sand, debris, and other particles can obstruct drainage. Ensure you inspect the drainage process and remove any obstacles immediately. Leaving a patch of damp debris on your boat is just as detrimental as leaving it in the water.

Rinse with Fresh Water

If your boat has been exposed to saltwater, polluted water, or brackish water, it is essential to rinse it with fresh water after each use. This helps remove any salt buildup, which can accelerate corrosion.

Wipe Down Visible Scum

Use a wet rag to wipe away any visible scum around the hull waterline immediately after hauling the boat onto its trailer. Dried scum is more challenging to remove and may eventually stain the hull.

Dry in Sunlight

Before covering or storing your boat, ensure all carpeting, upholstery, and inner foam materials are thoroughly dried in sunlight to prevent mildew growth and odours.

Regularly Clean the Boat

In addition to keeping your boat dry, regular cleaning is essential to maintaining its appearance and protecting its value. Use mild soap and warm water or a dedicated aluminium boat cleaner to wash your boat, and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Clean your boat thoroughly

Cleaning your aluminium boat is about more than just maintaining its appearance. It's a crucial step in protecting its value. Continuous use will cause dirt to accumulate on the hull, and the boat will lose its shine. The hull is constantly exposed to salt, polluted or fresh water, which can result in discolouration and bacteria. This can cause problems for the boat's engine and increase fuel consumption. A clean hull will improve fuel economy, help the boat glide through the water smoothly, and keep the entire boat in peak condition.

How to Clean Your Boat

Firstly, place the boat on its trailer and park it in a shady spot with plenty of room for you to work. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1: Initial Wash

Begin by spraying down the aluminium surfaces to help loosen dirt and grime. Fill a bucket with hot water and add some car soap. Soak a sponge in the soapy water and scrub the boat. For more stubborn areas, try using steel wool.

Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution

Read the instructions on your chosen cleaning product and dilute with water if necessary. Soak a scrubbing brush in the solution and scrub the boat's surfaces, paying particular attention to any areas that didn't come clean during the initial wash. Check the instructions again to see if the solution needs time to set before rinsing.

Step 3: Rinse

Rinse the boat thoroughly to wash out the cleaning solution. Double-check that you've washed all the detergent off the vessel and flushed out the motor.

Step 4: Buff

To bring out the shine in your aluminium, you'll need to buff the surfaces. Apply aluminium polish to a buffing cloth or pad and press it to the boat's surface. Buff in a circular pattern until you've covered the entire aluminium surface, adding more polish as needed.

If your boat is large or has heavy oxidation, you may wish to use a buffing machine. Turn on the machine and apply the polish to the buffing pad while it's in motion. Press the pad into the aluminium and slowly move from side to side until you've covered all the aluminium. Keep adding more polish as you work and check the pad for any debris.

Products to Use

For the initial wash, you can use regular car soap. For the cleaning solution, it's best to use a product designed for cleaning aluminium, such as:

• Fiberglass Cleaner
• Toon-Brite
• Star Brite
• Captain Phab Aluminium Hull Cleaner
• XPS Aluminium Cleaner
• Chlorine Bleach
• Alumabright
• Flitz
• Mother's Wax

Wash with fresh water after saltwater use

Aluminium boats are known for their durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. However, they do require regular care to keep them in good condition, especially after saltwater use.

Saltwater can be extremely damaging to aluminium boats, causing corrosion and pitting. Therefore, it is crucial to wash your boat with fresh water after every saltwater outing. This will remove any salt build-up and prevent galvanic corrosion. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you effectively wash your aluminium boat after saltwater use:

Step 1: Rinse with Fresh Water

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your boat with fresh water. Pay special attention to areas that come into direct contact with saltwater, such as the hull, outboard, and trailer. Make sure to spray both the inside and outside of the boat, including hard-to-reach areas like the undercarriage and rigging. It is recommended to use a pressure washer or a high-pressure hose to effectively remove salt crystals and build-up.

Step 2: Scrub Visible Scum

After the initial rinse, use a wet rag or a soft brush to scrub away any visible scum or salt residue, especially around the hull waterline. Dried scum can be challenging to remove and may eventually stain the hull, so it is important to address this step promptly.

Step 3: Wash with Mild Detergent

For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent or a specialised aluminium boat soap. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar. Apply the detergent or cleaning solution to a soft cloth or sponge and gently wash the exterior of the boat, including aluminium railings, hardware, and other components. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers, as these can damage the finish of your boat.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you have scrubbed away the scum and cleaned with detergent, give your boat a final rinse with fresh water. Ensure that you remove all soap residue. After rinsing, dry your boat thoroughly. Use a chamois or soft cloth to wipe down windows, plastics, bright metal, and other sensitive surfaces.

Step 5: Inspect and Maintain

Before and after washing your boat, take the time to inspect it for any damage or issues. Check for scratches, dings, or corrosion. If you identify any scratches or chips in the paint, touch them up to prevent further damage. Additionally, inspect the drainage system and remove any debris or blockages to ensure proper water flow.

By following these steps and making it a habit to wash your aluminium boat with fresh water after saltwater use, you can effectively prevent corrosion and maintain the appearance and value of your boat for years to come.

Regularly check and maintain fuel tanks

Aluminium boats are known for their durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. However, proper care and regular maintenance are required to keep them in good condition, especially when exposed to saltwater.

One crucial aspect of maintaining an aluminium boat is regularly checking and maintaining the fuel tanks. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this task:

• Painting and Moisture Inspection: If you have painted your aluminium fuel tanks, ensure that the paint is applied properly and thoroughly. Regularly check for any moisture accumulation under the paint and remove it immediately. This will help prevent corrosion and protect the tank's integrity.
• Use of Stainless Steel Components: Consider using stainless steel washers or adapters in the boat fuel system fittings. This will help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion, which is a common issue in aluminium fuel tanks.
• Proper Drainage: After each use, especially in saltwater, ensure that you drain water from all sides of the fuel tank. Keep the tank slightly elevated above the boat's hull to facilitate proper drainage and air circulation. This will help prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of corrosion.
• Support System Material: Choose appropriate materials for the fuel tank's support system. It is recommended to use materials such as neoprene, Teflon, or other high-density plastics. These materials provide a stable and non-conductive base for the fuel tank, reducing the risk of corrosion and electrical interference.
• Keep the Tank Dry: Always ensure that your fuel tank is dry. Water accumulation can lead to corrosion and damage to the tank. Regularly check for any leaks or moisture buildup and address them promptly. A dry tank is a happy tank!
• Installation and Mounting: Proper installation and mounting of the fuel tank are crucial. Ensure that the tank is not in direct contact with the boat's deck or any rubber mounting. Allow for air circulation and make sure the tank is never sitting in water. Consult a professional or refer to reliable resources for specific installation instructions.

By following these instructions and performing regular checks and maintenance on your aluminium boat's fuel tanks, you can help ensure their longevity and maintain the overall health of your boat.

Maintain the boat trailer and outboard

Maintaining your boat trailer and outboard is essential to ensure the longevity of your aluminum boat. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with the maintenance process:

Boat Trailer Maintenance:

• Regularly check and maintain the trailer components, such as brakes, springs, and hubs, as recommended by the boat manufacturer.
• Before each trip, ensure that the bow eye and winch strap hook are securely attached to the trailer winch.
• Check the wheel bearings regularly, especially when stopping for fuel. Touch them to ensure they are not too hot, as this could indicate a need for repair or replacement.
• Always carry a set of spare bearings and keep your trailer well-maintained to prevent breakdowns.
• Check the trailer lights before leaving home to avoid getting a ticket or causing inconvenience to other drivers.
• Criss-cross the chains under the hitch to provide extra security and protect the coupler in case of an accident.
• Check the inflation of the trailer tires, including the spare, and ensure they are at the recommended pressure.

Outboard Maintenance:

• After each use, flush the outboard with fresh water to remove any salt buildup and prevent corrosion.
• Regularly inspect the outboard for any leaks or damage, especially the fuel line and fuel tanks.
• Periodically check the fuel line for cracks, leaks, and worn spots. Ensure the fuel primer bulb is in good condition and not cracked.
• Keep the fuel tanks well-maintained by draining water, checking for moisture, and using appropriate materials for the tank's support system.
• Flush the engine with fresh water after each outing, especially after saltwater use, to prevent salt buildup.
• If your boat is kept on a trailer, use a flushing attachment ("ear muffs") to supply fresh water while running the engine in neutral at idle speed for a few minutes.
• Lubricate all moving parts, such as the shift and throttle cables, to ensure smooth operation.
• Always use fresh fuel, and drain the tanks at the end of the season, disposing of the fuel properly.

By following these maintenance steps, you can ensure that your boat trailer and outboard are in optimal condition, extending the life of your aluminum boat.

Frequently asked questions