If you’ve never owned a boat before, it can seem like an overwhelming investment.
Initial costs can seem to overwhelm the small savings you receive by buying used over new. Fortunately, if you’re looking at aluminum boats in saltwater, you can get a solid, dependable boat for relatively little.
Before you decide, however, you should know a few things about owning and operating a boat in saltwater. Below are a few of the main considerations you should keep in mind.
1. Saltwater Corrodes Aluminum
Saltwater is particularly hard on aluminum because it quickly corrodes aluminum’s surface layer. Corrosion occurs because salt water carries an electrical charge that breaks down aluminum’s surface into oxides that can no longer protect the underlying metal from further corrosion.
Anodizing or galvanizing aluminum is a common method to help prevent corrosion, but other measures must be taken to extend the life of your boat. Zinc anodes should be installed on the boat to dissipate the electrical charge, reducing corrosion.
2. Cleaning the Boat With Freshwater
When cleaning the boat with fresh water, it’s important to start at the top and work your way down to eliminate the risk of missing any spots. Boat lift hoists are a great tool to use when cleaning your boat with fresh water.
It allows you to bring your boat up out of the water so you can access all of the nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with just a bucket and sponge or brush. You also can easily freshwater rinse the hull while the boat is on the hoist.
3. Use Specially Made Salt-Removal Products
Saltwater can strip away layers of paint and protection, leaving the boat vulnerable to further damage. To help combat this, boat owners should use specially made salt removal products specifically designed to remove the encrusted salt.
Professionals suggest using a full-strength solution of salt remover and a soft brush to scrub down the boat. Rinse the boat in fresh water after and allow it to dry completely before applying a coating of corrosion protector. Other tools to have on board include a pressure washer, a good-quality paint brush/roller, and a good-quality sealant.
4. Use Anti-Fouling Paint
Anti-fouling marine paints contain special additives which act as bio-stats, preventing the organisms from attaching themselves to the boat’s hull and dragging it down. The corrosion inhibitors can reduce the growth of slime and algae and limit the friction on the underside of the boat which helps to improve boat performance.
The paint not only reduces the amount of drag, but due to its non-slip properties, it also helps to improve fuel efficiency. The use of special anti-fouling paint is an easy and reasonably priced method of ensuring that a saltwater aluminum boat stays in tip-top shape for many years and seaworthy rides.
Everything You Need to Know in Maintaining Aluminum Boats in Saltwater
An aluminum boat is a great vessel for both leisure and fishing in saltwater. Be sure to keep in mind the four elements of corrosion protection, propeller size, and placement, areas of weakness, and galvanic protection.
Doing so will help secure a longer-lasting and more efficient boat. For any further questions, reach out to an expert to get the most accurate answers about using aluminum boats in saltwater.
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