As with any other boats, you can extend the lifespan of your aluminum fishing boat with proper care and maintenance. Although aluminum boats require little maintenance compared to other boat types, it always makes sense to keep it clean and trouble-free.
One of the major things that you should watch out for with your aluminum fishing boat is galvanic corrosion. Aluminum can turn itself into a battery and would corrode quickly when placed in water, especially salt water. This also happens when it comes in contact with another type of metal.
To keep this from happening, a special barrier coat must be applied to a bare aluminum before it is painted. There are special barrier coatings and bottom paint specifically made for aluminum so make sure that you check with your supplier before you start your paint job with your aluminum boat. Keep away from bottom paints that contain high amounts of copper, as these cannot be used on an aluminum hull.
When cleaning your fishing boat, use only aluminum cleaning products. It is better to clean your boat area by area. Apply the aluminum cleaners with a brush and use wide strokes to work your way from the bottom up. Keep the surface wet by dipping your brush with the cleaners often. Use a light scouring pad to scour the area and hose off immediately to avoid sticky smudges. You may repeat the process if you are not satisfied before moving to another area.
If you don't have much time to scrub, you may also check out specially formulated bare aluminum cleaners that are available in boat supplies stores. This type of cleaner is sprayed on then allowed to stand for 30 seconds. After which, it should be rinsed thoroughly to remove discoloration, grime, scum lines and algae from aluminum surfaces without scrubbing.
For painted aluminum, use specially made aluminum protective wax to retain the shine and luster of your boat. Just make sure that the wax is safe for use on painted aluminum surfaces. There are also products available for polishing bare aluminum.
Most parts of aluminum boats are assembled with rivets. It is important that you periodically check that there are no loose rivets to prevent leaks. While your aluminum boat is in the water, you can use a permanent marker to mark those rivets or areas that leak. You can later bring your boat to a boat shop to fix the rivets or you can do it yourself. Just make sure you use only boat rivets to drill out and re-rivet the affected areas.
Of course, you should not ignore the other basic things that are needed to care for any type of boat. These chores include cleaning floors and surfaces regularly; checking for cracks, leaks, and other loose fittings; making sure that the boat's engine and electrical systems are working properly; cleaning seat cushions and treating them for mildew spots; checking your ropes, lines, anchors, boat poles, rod holders and other fishing and boating
accessories.
|
