how to polish an aluminum hull?

[LORDY611]

Knowing how much of an impact even a little algae has on drag, I wondered if there was a good way to polish and wax the hull of an aluminum Lund? Could you use a soft wire wheel, or a Scotchbrite pad, or something like rubbing compound? And what would go on after the cleaning? Currently it is not really dirty, but it is not polished either.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

Polished smooth is not the way to go unless you trailer your boat.... even then it is not worth it.

Is it painted or bare? If it is painted clean it and yes there are marine coatings that can be put on but do not last.

A perfectly smooth bottom that is poilished and waxed will create drag. Many racers have more of a course finish which creates air bubbles and aids in lift (course meaning not waxed smooth).

A wire brush is NOT the way to go or you may set off a galvanic reaction that will be very bad for the hull. This will casue a breakdown in the aluminum and hurt the boat.

IMO I would go for clean. A dulled aluminum bare hull is actually protected by the oxidation. You can experiment with the wax if you like but I would only do a section to compare to an unwaxed section.

There have been people have polished the hulls to a point of being mirror finish bright but, I do not have that much time to waste.

Look in the boat restoration section and search the word POLISHED and there are alot of ideas and yes people do polish aluminum.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

Good info Bob... I would also advise NOT using a scotchbrite pad...you will end up with "scratched" areas where you tried to remove something that was tough to get off, making your hull look even worse...

A good mild cleaner and towel...use the rest of your time out on the water.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

http://www.sharkhide.com/

 

[glennrow]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

a few years ago i had too much time on my hands so i decided to use some " mothers" alum. cleaner/polish on the pontoons of my 1976 crest. really looked sharp. have not touched it in 2 years and it still looks great...as far as drag, i really dont think it will make much difference at all ( we spend weeks prepping the bottom of our race sailboat every year to try to gain 1/4 to 1/2 knot )....enjoy your project

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

I went to walmart, got $2 worth of felt, cut into squares for my hook-and-loop random orbital sander. Then used with Mother's, as glenrow said. If speed is an issue, get rid of the aluminum and get a glass boat.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: how to polish an aluminum hull?

OK! I guess I'll pressure wash it MAYBE and leave it at that. Had no idea that smoother is not better, but the airbubbles makes a certain amount of sense.
BoatBuoy you have a nice looking floating mirror. How long did that look last?