cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

[new to fishing]

The alluminum on my 2007 bass tracker has a pretty dark water mark along the hull...I bought some Toon Brite alluminum cleaner from bass pro and used it on the back only...according to the instructions all you have to do is spray on and let sit for a few before rinsing it off...the water mark is gone, however, that part of the hull is now kind of white...i'm wondering if I didn't mess up putting it on..it couldn't be right...afterall...what good does it do to replace a dark water mark with a white one...any suggestions or thoughts would be much appriciated

 

[commander315]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

I don't know if you have access to one or not, but some pressure washing would take the marks right right off. Even a small, cheap one would do the trick.

 

[Shife]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

Is this a painted aluminum hull? If so give the toon cleaner to a neighbor with a pontoon. That stuff is for bare aluminum only. It essentially chemically attacks the surface of the aluminum thereby cleaning it.

I also have an aluminum boat (painted) and am looking for an effective, yet gentle, cleaner/brush/scrubbie/etc that will clean off hard water/iron stains from the waterline and hull. Boat stays moored in the water. Next season I'll have a barrier coat and Pettit Vivid on the bottom but for now I'm swimming a couple times per week and scrubbing it to keep it somewhat under control.

 

[commander315]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

I asked my son who has an aluminum hull. He said he pressure washed his with greased lightning. then he sprayed armor all wheel protectant. He said after that the water lines rarely even come back!! btw the armor all is safe for the environment .

 

[new to fishing]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

thanks for the responses...I don't know if there's some kind of coat or paint on the alluminum but that would explain the color change...I'll try out the pressure washer and see how it goes.

 

[Lrider]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

you cleaned the tarnish off the aluminum (or patina) kinda like polishing silver it will tarnish up agaon

 

[dave11]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

You might try Shark Hide.

 

[5150abf]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

Get a super fine Scotch Brite pad and put the grain back in the aluminum, it will shine it up like new.

You want to go in a straight line wiht the grain, if you look close you can see the metal has a grain just like wood, you want to put that back in it.

If you want to keep it that way put some Shark Hyde on it and you will never mess with it again

 

[alaskanassassin]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

I'm sorry to say, your cleaner is an acid cleaner and takes a layer off the aluminum so it may not ever match as it is. They use this stuff brand name Albright on the commercial boats and heavy utility skiffs around Alaska. If it were me, I would use the cleaner on the whole hull to make the finish even, then buff it out with some polishing compound. I have done it before on a ratty old setnet skiff and shined her up to a mirror finish literally better than new. If you keep it waxed, it stays shiny for a long time. Check into the Sharkhide stuff. It is some of the best polish to work with, and their system lasts longer. It is not cheap but works as advertized.

 

[DonHof]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

Try vinegar and water mix. I use it on my boat and it takes water spots off.

 

[new to fishing]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

thanks...luckly for me i only did the back of the boat so i'll try the scotchbrite pad on that to even it out (I used the cleaner on the whole exposed alluminum on the back when i applied it yesterday and it did not even it out..the only place that got lighter is the water line and below...i've heard of the vinegar and water mix before so i'll give it a shot on the sides...thanks again

 

[Champlainmonster]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

Hey all, I experienced the same thing. Toon-Brite is a good cleaner. As previously posted, it chemically cleans the aluminum. The white film you see is the residue of the chemical wash.

Now that the aluminum is clean, you have to polish it to restore that showroom shine and quality. There are a number of good metal polishes out there. Sharkhide has one and it seems people on the forum here have good things to say about it. I have used Brasso and it works EXCELENT. I have a 14ft 2003 Lund with the annoying aluminum bottom that tarnishes. The Brasso works just like it would work on dull silver tableware or like a jewelery cleaner. Takes a lot of elbow grease and lots of clean rags. If you can snag an electric buffer, you might save a few pounds of sweat. Be sure to polish the boat in the shade! I made a mistake as a teenager of doing it out in the sun and man did I walk away with forearms like Popeye!

Remember, aluminum begins to oxidize when it comes into contact with air if not treated correctly. Be sure to pick up a wax of some type to both protect the aluminum and ensure you don't have to go through this process every season. Sharkhide is the way to go here but with some snooping around I am sure there are other wonderful products.

FYI Brasso can be picked up in just about any grocery store in the cleaning isle. Costs about 4-8 bucks depending on how much area you estimate you have to cover.

GL with your boat!

 

[new to fishing]

Re: cleaning water marks on an alluminum hull

thanks for the info...wasn't sure about waxing the aluminum...your advise was exactly what I was looking for...will keep the brasso in mind for the next time