CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

[WHITEBOYY32]

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A BASS TRACKER 1994 PRO-18. IT HAD BEEN SITTING A LONG TIME, AND APPARENTLY HAD NEVER BEEN CLEANED AT ALL. THE HULL IS COVERED WITH OXIDATION AND IS VERY DULL. I'VE HEARD YOU HAVE TO USE ACID BASED CLEANER. BUT HOW DO YOU KEEP IT OFF THE STICKERS? IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY OF GETTING IT OFF? WILL SOMEONE PLEASE REPLY?

 

[Spidybot]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

Hi Paul,<br /><br />First of all, please hit your Caps Lock key - writing in capitals is considered SHOUTING!<br /><br />For your boat maintenance it is important to use products that are made for this specific use. Alu is not always the same thing and the steps involved (cleaning -> applying protective shield) may take preparation by chosing a product range that will interact. After a good cleaning with normal cleaner you'll se the actual need for special care.<br /><br />It is possible to get by, by experimenting, but better safe than sorry!<br /><br />iBoats Marine MegaMall offers some products - among others<br />3M Marine Aluminum Restorer & Polish <br />Garelick Aluminum Polish <br /><br />Link top of these pages.

 

[Charger183]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

Hi Paul: I bought a 1975 20' Crestliner Norseman 2 years ago that was loaded with scum / calcium / oxide. I brushed muric acid on the hull to remove 95% of the stuff and then made a diluted amount and used fine steel wool and rubber gloves to get the rest. The acid did not bother what stickers were still there as it was on the hull for only moments before washing with water. After it was clean I used an automotive polishing compound with 000 grade steel wool and than a wax polish. The thing to watch if you use the acid is not to leave it on long. Several applications of short duration will not hurt anything including the outdrive. WEAR A MASK and use lots of water. Larry

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

the old fashioned meathod is vinegar.

 

[WHITEBOYY32]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

Originally posted by mellowyellow:<br />the old fashioned meathod is vinegar.

no joke, vinegar? how, do i do this? would i use a brush, buffer, or a rag?

 

[Lark40]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

There is a website dedicated to discussing aluminum boat repair:<br /><br /> http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/repair.htm

 

[Brian J]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

pressure washing does not work..Chemicals or manual sanding are your only ops

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

Alumibrite works on my toon logs. Dilute it 50:1. Then buff out for a shiny finish. Can be had at any A/C parts house. Spray on and wash off pronto. Wear rubber gloves.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: CLEANING ALUMINUM HULLS !!!!!!

acidic properties of vigegar may work if it's<br />not too far gone. a little steel wool and give<br />it a try. modern cures like alumibrite RB mentions<br />are deff. stronger and more effective.