Washing Your Aluminum Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminium boats are popular among boat owners, but they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Proper maintenance will not only make the boat look good but will also increase its longevity and improve its performance. This paragraph aims to provide an introduction to the topic of cleaning an aluminium boat, covering the importance of cleaning, the necessary tools and products, and the step-by-step process to achieve a clean and shiny boat.

Rinse with fresh water after each use

Rinsing your aluminum boat with fresh water after each use is crucial for maintaining its appearance and performance. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this important step:

Remove Visible Scum:

After hauling your boat onto its trailer, use a wet rag to wipe away any visible scum line around the hull waterline. Dried scum will require more effort to remove and may eventually stain the hull, so it's best to address this immediately.

Rinse with Fresh Water:

Thoroughly rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if it has been exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, or if you've travelled over salty roads. This will help prevent the buildup of salt, grime, and other contaminants that can accelerate corrosion and affect the boat's performance.

Avoid Pressure Washers:

While it's important to rinse with fresh water, avoid using a pressure washer on the aluminum surfaces of your boat. The high-pressure water can damage the boat's surfaces if not used carefully. A simple garden hose should suffice for rinsing away loose dirt and debris.

Focus on Problem Areas:

Pay extra attention to seams, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas during the rinsing process. These areas tend to hold more grit compared to flat surface areas, so ensure they are thoroughly rinsed.

Dry Properly:

After rinsing, dry the boat properly to prevent water spots and streaks. Use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft towel to absorb any remaining water and prevent water spots from forming as the boat air dries.

Regular Cleaning:

In addition to rinsing with fresh water after each use, remember to schedule regular cleaning sessions for your aluminum boat. Depending on usage, aim for 2-3 cleanings per boating season to maintain its appearance and performance.

Wipe away scum from the hull waterline

To wipe away scum from the hull waterline of an aluminium boat, it's important to act fast. A scum line can form if you leave your boat sitting in the water for a while, or if you fail to clean it after use. The longer you leave it, the more effort it will take to remove.

Firstly, use a wet rag to wipe away the scum line. If the scum has dried, you can try using a product like Simple Green, Bar Keeper's Friend, or a scrub bucket. For more severe cases, you may need to use a mild acid like Macuric (or muriatic) acid, but be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles, and be cautious as it can cause severe burns. Alternatively, try a vinegar and water solution, or Lime Away, but be sure to thoroughly rinse the boat afterwards.

For a really tough scum line, you could try a specialised toilet bowl cleaner like The Works, or CLR, which should cut through the scum with minimal scrubbing. Alternatively, try a marine cleaner like Starbrite Hull Cleaner, or a product specifically designed to remove scum, like JJV Best Scum Remover.

To prevent a scum line from forming, be sure to rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if it's been exposed to salt or polluted water.

Use an aluminium boat cleaner

After giving your aluminium boat a basic wash to remove loose dirt and debris, it's time to move on to the aluminium boat cleaner. This is an important step, as it will ensure that you are cleaning the actual aluminium and not just a coating.

Firstly, put on protective gloves, footwear, goggles, and other protective clothing. While these chemicals are not very dangerous, it's always good to be cautious.

Next, prepare the solution by carefully reading the instructions. Most aluminium cleaning solutions will require about 500 ml of aluminium cleaning solution and 1.5 or 2 litres of water to dilute. Then, dip your scrubber into the solution and start scrubbing the hull. You may need to use steel wool to address any patches that the car soap wasn't able to clean.

If you notice any rust, take care of it immediately, as it can spread throughout the hull. However, don't scrub too hard, as the area may be weak.

After you've scrubbed the entire hull, check the instructions to see if the solution needs time to set into the metal. Then, rinse the boat thoroughly to wash out the chemicals.

Finally, you may want to consider using a buffing shammy to dry and polish the boat's surface. You can also use buffing chemicals for an extra shine. Remember to always follow the instructions provided with the cleaning solution to ensure the best results.

Buff the aluminium to a high shine

Buffing your aluminium boat is the final step in the cleaning process, and it will bring out the metal's signature shine.

Firstly, ensure your boat is thoroughly clean and dry before you begin buffing.

If your boat is small, or you don't mind the labour involved, you can hand-buff your boat. Apply aluminium polish to a buffing cloth or pad, and press it onto the boat's surface. Use circular motions to buff the aluminium, adding more polish as needed. Remember, hand-buffing can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially if the aluminium is heavily oxidised.

If you want to save time and energy, you can use a buffing machine. Apply the aluminium polish to the buffing pad while it's in motion, then press the pad into the aluminium. Move slowly from side to side until you've covered all the aluminium. Be thorough, as one pass should be enough if done slowly and deliberately. You will need to add more polish as you work.

Keep an eye on the edge of the buffing pad, as polish build-up or aluminium particles may collect there. Clear away any debris with a buffing rake, a hard metal comb that cleans the buffing pad.

After you've buffed the aluminium, use a clean cloth to give the surface a final buffing. This will help to enhance the shine and smooth out any minor imperfections.

To maintain the shine, regularly clean and lightly polish the aluminium, and avoid abrasive products and harsh chemicals, as these can cause surface damage.

Apply a protective wax or sealant

After cleaning your aluminium boat, it is important to apply a protective wax or sealant to create a barrier against the elements. This will help to maintain the boat's appearance and protect it from corrosion.

There are a variety of products available for this purpose, including waxes and sealants specifically designed for aluminium boats. When choosing a product, consider the following:

• The type of paint on your boat: If your boat is painted with gloss paint, you can find waxes specifically designed for aluminium boats with gloss paint. If your boat has a flat green colour, you may not need to wax it as frequently.
• The level of protection you need: Some products offer additional protection against UV rays, which can help prevent sun fading.
• Ease of application and maintenance: Look for a product that is easy to apply and maintain. Some waxes and sealants can be applied without the need for running water, making them convenient to use.
• Environmental impact: Consider choosing a non-toxic and biodegradable option to minimise the impact on the environment.
• Meguiar's M2116 Mirror Glaze Synthetic Sealant 2.0: This synthetic polymer-based sealant is designed to last longer and work well with various surfaces such as rubber and plastic. It also makes it easier to remove dirt, debris and stains from the boat's surface.
• Kwik Shine: Recommended for hard painted surfaces, Kwik Shine protects and shines without causing blistering or other issues that waxes may cause. It leaves a hard, anti-static, mirror finish that repels dust, dirt and pollutants. It also provides excellent UV protection and can be used repetitively without building up.
• Hot Sauce and Quickie Sauce by Bling Sauce: These products are designed for finished aluminium surfaces such as paint, powder coat and decals. Hot Sauce contains polymer sealants that help seal and maintain the wax coat, making future cleanups easier. Quickie Sauce provides months of UV protection with a simple and fast application.

When applying the wax or sealant, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Ensure that you wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid any stains or splashes on your skin or eyes.

Frequently asked questions