1989 starcraft center console

[flexnuts02]

Just recently picked up a 16' Starcraft with a 48 Evinrude. Its to replace my older fishing boats and the only thing that hasnt had attention yet is the outside of the hull.
The main problem is some corrosion under the water line from sitting in salt. I will get some pictures up as soon as I can.

I would say its fairly minor but I want to clean it up and paint the entire exterior. So my questions mainly relate to:
How to treat an aluminum hull
What product to use for "bottom paint"
What product to spray the hull with
Any tips from people who have dealt with Aluminum hulls corroding in salt

I have been told by the previous owner that it is best to just "leave it alone" and not disturb the metals, But I have redone fiberglass boats, stringer, flooring and transom systems from scratch so I am very capable of performing anything needing to be done in this case.
All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Watermann]

Re: 1989 starcraft center console

Welcome aboard flexnuts. I look forward to seeing some pics of your Starcraft. I can't imagine why anyone would want to leave their aluminum boat moored in salt. I assume sitting in salt means moored. I can only guess the reasoning for the advice of leave it alone would be so you don't expose fresh metal to another onslaught of salt water. I would also take a look at your rude for signs of corrosion since it probably wasn't flushed out after salt use if it was moored.