Topic: Stained aluminum boat – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 8 months ago by jcrigan.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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August 5, 2017 at 3:26 am #7828
jcrigan
Participant
I just bought a small old aluminum boat (12′ Vio Holda). It must have spent much of its life under trees as the floor, transom, and sides are darker than the outside of the boat. What can be recommended to clean this up as dishwasher soap and hot water doesn’t work.
August 5, 2017 at 9:42 am #62609
billw
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
I don’t know about aluminum; but in the case of fiberglass boats having lived under trees, sunlight and time always seems to help the stains that leaves make. Miraculous, really. Give it your best shot with soap, then leave it in the sun. Again, I don’t know about aluminum but it can’t hurt to try.

Long live American manufacturing!
August 5, 2017 at 10:23 am #62610
brook-n
Participant
John C.
I have had some success with Star Brite Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner/Restorer.

Respectfully
August 5, 2017 at 11:04 am #62611
jerry-ahrens
Participant
US Member
Sounds like it’s time for the star brite cleaner Brook mentioned. I use Zing aluminum boat cleaner, mainly cause I can buy it wholesale. After rinsing off the cleaner, I use SOS pads with plenty of dish soap to remove the white residue, and prevent scratches. I’ve done this to three Alumacrafts, and they still look good almost ten years later.
August 5, 2017 at 12:50 pm #62612
The Boat House
Participant
You have one of these?
August 5, 2017 at 9:47 pm #62621
jcrigan
Participant
Yes Tubs I have one of these. Very light weight boat, may be under a hundred pounds. Ads say they are either good for up to 7.5hp and other ads say 12hp. Thanks for the product information as I will try them out. I am using bar keepers friend right now with some success.
August 6, 2017 at 4:57 am #62636
fifty20ne
Participant
US Member
I found this video on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfSj_PCiU7Q

Or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBhV3sGNs_E
August 8, 2017 at 4:32 am #62688
mini-motors
Participant
I had good luck with Eagle One etching Mag Wheel cleaner. Made my ’61 11′ Elgin shine.
August 9, 2017 at 2:42 am #62701
reivertom
Participant
US Member
They look like sturdy little boats. I have the same problem with my Dad’s old 11′ Duratech pram. I’ll have to try some of the products mentioned here. I’d stay with the 7.5 or under, a 12 would be scary on that little boat.
August 9, 2017 at 3:59 am #62703
jcrigan
Participant
Thanks for all the replys. The outside cleaned up well with bar keepers friend. The bad part inside I finally had to use a plastic bristle cup brush with my electric drill. Cleaned up very well. The aluminum side walls on this boat is very thin and is textured making it harder to get at all the blackened parts.
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