Aluminum boats are incredibly handy, both light and agile and corrosion-resistant. But even these machines need to be cleaned to prevent damage. We here at RVs and Boats For Less want to minimize the amount of work that might take, so we’ve put together a few tips for cleaning an aluminum boat, below. To learn more, or to see the aluminum boats we have for sale, contact our store in Chubbuck, Idaho, today!
Supplies
First, you’re going to need a few supplies. If you have a preference for an alternative item, that’s fine—this is just a good place to start. Make sure you have:
- Car wash soap.
- Aluminum cleaning solution.
- A garden hose.
- Hot water.
- A mop bucket.
- Heavy-duty sponges and soft-bristle scrub brushes.
- Steel wool.
- Buffing chemicals and shammy.
- Rubber gloves and protective eyewear.
Preparation
Next, pull out any personal belongings or valuables and store them in your home or garage for the time being. Take inventory of your boating supplies and make sure there’s no damage beforehand.
Hull Cleaning
Now, the first step of the actual cleaning process is a prewash. You’ll be scrubbing and rinsing it in small sections so the soap doesn’t dry on.
Fill the mop bucket with a solution of hot water and car wash soap, then use a heavy-duty sponge to scrub off any large pieces of dirt or debris from one section of hull. If there’s something too stubborn for the sponge, you can try with the steel wool or leave it for the next stage.
If you use an outboard motor, make sure to wash it gently so no soap gets under the casing. After you scrub, use the hose to thoroughly rinse that section of hull and move on to the next.
Cleaning Solution
Next, treat the hull with the aluminum cleaning solution. If it requires preparation, do what the packaging says. Once it’s ready, apply it with the soft-bristle brush in sections and make sure to get anything that was too stubborn for the last part. Let it set for the time indicated on the packaging, then rinse thoroughly.
Hull Buff
Finally, it’s time to buff the hull with the buffing chemicals and shammy. This looks nice, but also prevents dirt and grime from sticking to the surface. Take your time and make sure you cover everything, which will make cleaning the hull next time a bit easier.
We hope this guide gets your boat looking like new! For more information, or to see the aluminum boats we have in stock, contact us at RVs and Boats For Less. We proudly serve the people of Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho—let us serve you today!
