Nuetralizing Hull Corrosion

[Water Strider]

I'm restoring an old mirrocraft aluminum deep fisherman back to servicable condition.

Unfortunately the transom was rotted out from too many years of ignorant storage (laying upside down in the back yard) by it's previous owner.

I'm having a hard time finding marine plywood, especially 1 1/2" thick.

What's your thoughts on using a treated 2x12? Or maybe a hard wood? It was originally a plywood, but didn't appear to be treated. Original outside dimensions are approximatey 1 1/2" x 12" x 4' then cut to shape.

Also behind the transom was a considerable amount of hull corrosion - pitting. Some of it has to be 75% plus through the metal but none all the way through.

Is there a recommended way to nuetralize aluminum corrosion? vineager? Baking soda?

Im also thinking of putting tar, or some type of rubberized spray on/behind the transom where it mates the bull. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: Nuetralizing Hull Corrosion

Well, first off you're not gonna' find marine ply in that thickness. Two sheets of 3/4" okume epoxied together will give you what you need. One downfall on using any treated lumber is if you plan on applying any epoxy or other barrier sealer it must be DRY. 17% is usually the norm - lower is better. The recommended way to neutralize aluminum is with a chromate wash. Considering that you won't be able to buy it the next best thing is just take a stiff bristle brush, some soap and water and have at it. Not all that certain if the vinegar or baking soda would do anything. If the aluminum is corroded with green deposits then possibly either would remove them. Clean it up good, prep it good and apply Marine Tex.
If I'm not mistaken I do believe tarring a boat went out in the mid 18th century. Nah, no need for all that messy stuff. If you make your cuts tight enough then any left over gaps, etc. should be filled with a good polysulphide caulk, i.e. Life Caulk, 3M 42 or 5200, etc. Post pics !!!

 

[tommays]

Re: Nuetralizing Hull Corrosion

IMHP "NEW STYLE" pressure treated lumber and a aluminum hull is goona be a galvanic corrosion nightmare



Tommays