Buying An Aluminum Boat: Key Features To Look For

When buying an aluminum boat, there are several things to consider. First, it's important to set a budget and be honest about how you'll use the boat. If you plan to fish, get a fishing boat. If you'll be towing water skiers, consider a recreational boat or a fish and ski boat. It's also crucial to match the boat to the water type and activity. For example, larger, deeper lakes with more wind require a Deep-V hull, while Mod-V hulls are better for shallower lakes and warmer climates.

When inspecting a used aluminum boat, look for multiple cracks in one area, which could indicate structural or impact damage. Check the entire surface for scratches, chips, or signs of repair, as these may reduce the boat's value. A worn-out steering system is dangerous and expensive, so inspect the cables and mounting areas. Check the lower unit for damage and the propeller for bends, as this could lead to internal issues. Since aluminum boats are susceptible to corrosion, look for excessive amounts of grey or white chalky corrosion, which could indicate saltwater use.

Other things to consider include the number of people you want to fit in the boat, the type of fishing you plan to do, and your preferred boat brand. If you're buying a used boat, pay close attention to the wiring, steering system, and signs of corrosion.

Check for cracks, scratches, and old repairs

When buying an aluminium boat, it is important to check for cracks, scratches, and old repairs. This is because any structural problems with aluminium boats are usually fairly obvious and can indicate possible underlying issues.

Firstly, look out for any cracks, scratches, or dents, as these can indicate a possible structural damage. Pay particular attention to areas where laminate is found, such as the curved deck to cabin panel, around or near windows, and the bulkhead. These are prime areas for cracking. Remember that the longer cracks are left, the more extensively and deeply they will spread, so it is important to identify and repair them early.

If you spot any scratches or cracks, assess the damage by locating the areas that require attention and determining the extent of the issue. Decide if the crack was caused by impact or by flexing, as this will inform the repair method. Flexing cracks appear as multiple, long, thin, flat lines, while impact cracks can be more rounded or circular in appearance and usually have an indentation.

If you are purchasing a used aluminium boat, carefully inspect the vessel for any signs of previous repairs. Look for silicone goo smeared on the rivets, keel, and anywhere else on the exterior of the hull, as this could indicate that the boat has been leaking. Also, be wary of a homemade paint job, especially if the paint is thick, as this is often a sign that the boat has been leaking and the owner has tried to stop the leaks with paint. Remember that colour-matching can be a challenge when using off-the-shelf epoxy resins for repairs.

Additionally, check the shaft tube, as many aluminium boats experience corrosion problems in this area due to the dead water that sits in the tube with the stainless steel shaft. Properly inspecting this area may require removing the propeller shaft and rudder.

Remember, while aluminium boats are corrosion-resistant, they can still develop issues over time. Regular maintenance and repairs are essential to ensure the longevity of your boat.

Inspect the steering system

Inspecting the steering system of a boat is crucial to ensure safety and avoid unexpected problems, especially when sailing offshore. Here are some detailed steps to inspect the steering system of an aluminum boat:

Check for Wear and Tear:

Look for any signs of wear and tear on the steering cables and mounting areas. Inspect the cables for any damage, fraying, or broken strands. Ensure that all mounting bolts are tight and secure. Check the pulleys for any play or side-to-side movement, and inspect for debris or filings below the pulleys, which could indicate wear.

Inspect the Outboard Engine:

Ensure the outboard engine is tight and securely mounted. Check the engine for any leaks or excessive oil. Look for any signs of impact or damage, such as bends or chunks missing from the propeller. Even minor damage to the propeller could lead to internal issues and gear failure later on.

Check for Corrosion:

Since aluminum is susceptible to corrosion, pay close attention to the entire steering system for any signs of corrosion. Look for excessive amounts of grey or white chalky corrosion on the aluminum surfaces. Corrosion may indicate that the boat has been exposed to saltwater, which can accelerate the deterioration.

Inspect Battery Connections:

Check the battery connections to ensure there are no cuts or fraying in the wires. Take a look under the dash to ensure that the wires are clean, tight, and well-organized. This simple step can prevent potential electrical issues down the road.

Test the Steering:

If possible, test the steering system by turning the wheel and feeling for any excess play or looseness. Ensure that the steering responds smoothly and accurately to your inputs. A frozen or stiff steering wheel could indicate a problem with the steering mechanism or corrosion in the system.

Regular Maintenance:

Remember that regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to keep your steering system in good condition. Consult a professional or a marine surveyor if you have any doubts or concerns about the steering system. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your safety on the water.

Check the skeg and propellers for damage

When inspecting an aluminium boat, it is important to check the skeg and propeller for damage. The skeg is the fin-like component located on the bottom of the boat's motor. It serves as a rudder, enabling precise steering and control of the boat's direction. Additionally, it safeguards the propeller by acting as a barrier against debris and obstacles in the water.

To inspect the skeg, begin by examining its physical condition. Look for any chips, cracks, or signs of impact. Even a small chip in the skeg can result in reduced steering performance and increased vulnerability for the propeller. If the skeg appears damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Some boat owners choose to weld the skeg back into shape, but this requires expertise in welding aluminium. Another option is to install a skeg guard, a stainless steel sleeve that fits over the skeg to provide reinforcement and protection.

Next, assess the propeller for any bends, chips, or other abnormalities. Minor damage, such as small chips or slight bends, may not significantly affect the boat's performance. However, more extensive damage can lead to increased vibration, which can be felt while operating the boat. Excessive vibration can cause wear and tear on the boat's driveline and internal components, potentially resulting in costly repairs. If the propeller is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.

To ensure the safety and performance of your aluminium boat, it is crucial to regularly inspect the skeg and propeller for any signs of damage. By taking proactive measures, such as installing a skeg guard and promptly addressing any damage, you can help prevent more significant and expensive issues down the line.

• Regularly check the lower unit grease to ensure it is at the appropriate level and in good condition.
• If you experience any vibrations while operating the boat, have the propeller and lower unit inspected by a professional.
• To protect the skeg and propeller, avoid trailing with the stern down, as this can increase the risk of impact and damage.
• Consider carrying a spare propeller on board in case of unexpected damage or issues.

Look for signs of corrosion

Aluminum boats are not completely corrosion-proof, especially if they are made of low-grade aluminum. Saltwater and marine environments pose a more extreme risk of galvanic corrosion, but any impure water can cause corrosion. Therefore, it is important to inspect the boat thoroughly for signs of corrosion before purchase.

Aluminum boats are susceptible to galvanic corrosion, which occurs when aluminum comes into contact with a dissimilar metal while immersed in an electrolyte (water). This can cause the aluminum to pit, flake, and spall. Inspect the boat for any cracks, chips, scratches, or areas with a different color or texture, which may indicate a previous repair. Pay close attention to areas near fittings and stress points, as these are common locations for cracks. Look for any signs of corrosion, such as a white powder or grey or white chalky substance on the surface of the metal. Corrosion can also lift paint, so check for any areas of paint flaking or blistering. Additionally, look for signs of crevice corrosion, which occurs when contaminated water is trapped against the aluminum, such as under paint edges that were not properly prepped.

If you suspect the boat has been used in saltwater, be sure to inspect the propeller and lower unit for any damage, as saltwater can cause galvanic corrosion and crevice corrosion. The propeller may have bends or other damage, and the lower unit may have missing chunks or rough areas. Impact to the lower unit could potentially lead to gear failure.

To summarize, when inspecting an aluminum boat for signs of corrosion, look for cracks, chips, scratches, discolored areas, paint issues, and signs of crevice corrosion. Pay close attention to areas near fittings and stress points, and be cautious of boats that show signs of saltwater use. By thoroughly inspecting the boat, you can identify potential corrosion issues and make an informed decision about the purchase.

Examine the wiring

When examining the wiring of a used aluminium boat, it is important to check the battery connections to ensure that the wires are free of any cuts or frays. Take the time to ensure that the wires are tight, clean, and organised. This can save you a lot of hassle down the road.

It is also important to never connect grounds to the aluminium boat body. Always connect the ground to the negative battery post. Grounding to the boat body will cause electrolysis and, over time, your boat will develop pinhole corrosion.

To avoid a bunch of wires going into the battery box, you can run a large-gauge ground wire from the battery up to the area where you are putting things, and you can connect several grounds to it if need be. Alternatively, you can run the hot and ground wires to a marine fuse panel and then connect accessories directly to the fuse panel.

Frequently asked questions