To paint or not to paint that is the question.

[happy hooker]

I have a 50 year old 14' aluminum starfcraft. Ihave stripped all of the paint off of the bottom up to the splash rails. It is now nice and shinny.I have spent over $100.00 on coatings and paint and now I am wondering if I have to paint it.I keep it docked in a fresh water lake.I am trying to avoid having to paint it ever year if I put on the antifouling paint I bought.I like fishing better than painting.

 

[CaptainPuget]

Re: To paint or not to paint that is the question.

Leave it as is. It will form a protective layer of oxide and turn a bit gray. Aluminum boats don't require paint in fresh or salt water. Anti-fouling bottom paint will keep the barnacles off but isn't required in freshwater.<br /><br />Although some types of paint will improve aluminum's corrosive resistance, paint on aluminum is not needed and is usually for ascetics only. A chromated paint will provide the best corrosion protection if properly adhered. But to adhere properly the surface must be first conversion coated (i.e., Alodine™) or anodic coated (boric-sulfuric acid anodize). Without the special equipment required for this type of painting, your best bet is to simply let it age naturally.

 

[Link]

Re: To paint or not to paint that is the question.

HH<br />CaptainPuget is right on the mark! I also own a aluminum boat. (Almar made here in the Puget Sound area) And after about ten years of maintance free boating I decieded to spruce it up a little! After sanding it, acid etching, primer, then paint, zolatone top side and then clear coat I have a very pretty boat! $650.00 at cost for supplies (not retail) Biggest mistake I ever made! I now spend more time cleaning and waxing to keep it that way than fishing. Also are gone the care free days of just beaching it anywhere I want! (Don't want to scratch that pretty paint job ya know) Let the aluminum oxide naturally and it will protect itself! BTDT and won't go there again <br />Happy Boating<br />Link

 

[suzuki40]

Re: To paint or not to paint that is the question.

I just painted my 12' flatbottom jonboat march of last year. I use the boat for fishing mostly but didnt like the old aluminum look. I rubbed the entire boat with plain ol' rubbing alcohol and elbo grease, it clean the boat up real nice, enough I didnt really want to paint it anymore. I didnt sand anything or treat it with anything. I just sprayed it with krylon ultra flat olive green spraypaint. it was dry to the touch about 5 minutes, and it is tough as well, over a year later and the boat still looks good?<br /><br />suzuki40

 

[Link]

Re: To paint or not to paint that is the question.

HH, well there is another option for you.<br />suzuki40 : Well after thinking about your post for awhile I came up with about a dozen different things I've used Krylon paint on that worked very well. Just three weeks ago I sanded and repainted a couple flashers with bright white, and pink stripes using krylon paint! I couldn't / wouldn't do that on my sled for resale value, but not a bad idea at all for a small fishing boat that you just want to make look better! It's good to think outside of the box once in awhile. <br />Happy Boating<br />Link<br />Q: What do you call a man with just 1/2 a brain?<br />A: Gifted!