Tips for Maintaining Your Aluminum Fishing Boat

Aluminum boats are lightweight, agile, versatile, and often the first choice of those searching for a durable and reliable vessel for fishing excursions, casual cruising, and watersports activities. However, aluminum boats require specific maintenance practices to remain in tip-top shape because aluminum is susceptible to corrosion. If you don’t maintain your vessel well, it’ll wear out sooner than expected and might break down unexpectedly. Here are a few maintenance tips to help keep your aluminum fishing boat in excellent condition season after season!

Rinse and Dry Your Boat Thoroughly

If you usually frequent saltwater locations, be careful because salinity can leave residue on your aluminum boat and lead to corrosion. To prevent this, rinse your boat with fresh water after each outing to remove salt, dirt, and debris, and pay attention to crevices, joints, and the underside of the hull. You should also flush your engine with a powerful flushing system by tilting your boat at an angle and draining all the water, including from your transom well and bilge. If there’s any standing water, you’ll want to remove it with a sponge.

Protect Against Corrosion

Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. However, your aluminum fishing boat can still be susceptible to rust, especially in harsh marine environments. To help keep it safe, apply a marine-grade aluminum polish or wax to your hull and create a protective barrier against saltwater, oxidation, and other corrosive elements.

Check for Damage

More importantly, you’ll want to inspect your aluminum fishing boat regularly for any signs of damage, such as dents and scratches. You’ll also want to closely examine the areas more prone to impact than others, such as your bow, keel, and sides. If you notice any cracks, address them promptly and help maintain your vessel’s structural integrity.

Now that you know how to maintain your aluminum fishing boat, you can help extend its lifespan and performance. If you need more maintenance advice or are still searching for a reliable lightweight aluminum vessel, contact Thayer’s Marine in Norwich, CT. We proudly welcome our friends from Springfield, MA, and New Jersey, so reach out today!