5 Common Aluminum Boat Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
5 Common Aluminum Boat Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
An aluminum boat is appealing for its lightness. It lasts for years. It’s impact-resistant. However, without maintenance, it wears out quickly. Too quickly.
Many owners make simple mistakes with serious consequences.
Wrong products, stagnant water, ignored corrosion, neglected floor, improper storage.
Five mistakes, always the same ones.
In this blog post, we highlight them. We explain why they damage your boat. We detail their medium and long-term effects.
We give you practical tips to avoid them.
With these tips, your boat will remain strong, high-performing, and enjoyable.
Mistake #1: Using Corrosive or Unsuitable Cleaning Products | Aluminum Boats
Why it’s a mistake
Aluminum has a protective barrier: alumina. Aggressive cleaners destroy it. Bleach, acids, strong bases. Their action corrodes the surface.
Result: oxidation, dull spots, pitting corrosion.
Consequences
- Weakened and thinned hull
- Appearance of holes over time
- Extensive and costly repairs
How to avoid the mistake
- Clean with a mild, pH-neutral soap.
- Always rinse with fresh water after your outings.
- Avoid metal brushes and prefer microfiber.
- Use the high-pressure washer only from a distance.
👉 Gentle cleaning preserves shine and strength.
Mistake #2: Allowing Water to Accumulate | Aluminum Boats
Why it’s a mistake
Stagnant water damages everything. It seeps in. It adds weight. It promotes mold. It triggers galvanic corrosion.
Consequences
- Persistent odors and an unhealthy environment
- Loss of buoyancy
- Swollen or rotten floor
- Internal hull corrosion
How to avoid the mistake
- Always remove the drain plug after each outing.
- Sponge up damp corners.
- Empty sand and debris that retain water.
- Cover the boat with a tightly stretched tarp.
👉 A dry boat remains healthy, light, and durable.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Corrosion or Electrolysis Checks | Aluminum Boats
Why it’s a mistake
Electrolysis attacks silently. Aluminum dissolves when it touches other metals in water.
Without inspection, damage progresses unseen.
Consequences
- Pitting corrosion invisible at first
- Holes that weaken the hull
- Corroded engine mounts
How to avoid the mistake
- Inspect the hull twice a year. Look for whitish deposits.
- Replace your sacrificial anodes as soon as they are half-worn.
- Isolate different metals with nylon washers or marine grease.
- Monitor the wiring: no bare wires, no questionable grounding.
- Apply epoxy paint to exposed areas.
👉 Preventing corrosion means protecting the heart of your boat.
Mistake #4: Forgetting Floor, Seals, and Fasteners Maintenance | Aluminum Boats
Why it’s a mistake
The floor suffers. Seals age. Rivets loosen. Ignoring these parts weakens the whole structure.
Consequences
- Floor that warps and eventually gives way
- Cracked seals letting water in
- Loose fasteners, unstable engine
How to avoid the mistake
- Test the floor every season. If it sags, repair it.
- Protect the wood with marine varnish or resin.
- Change cracked seals and check the drain plug.
- Tighten screws, bolts, and rivets.
- Replace rusted parts with marine-grade stainless steel.
👉 These invisible details make the difference between safety and danger.
Mistake #5: Storing the Boat in Poor Conditions | Aluminum Boats
Why it’s a mistake
Improper storage destroys a boat in a few winters. Snow, sun, humidity.
A low-quality tarp, and you get a dull hull, damaged floor, cracked seals.
Consequences
- Deformation under the weight of snow
- Mold trapped under a non-breathable tarp
- Corrosion accelerated by condensation
- Accessories damaged by frost
How to avoid the mistake
- Clean and dry before winterization.
- If possible, store indoors, dry and ventilated.
- Outdoors, use a breathable marine cover.
- Install a support so snow slides off.
- Remove the battery, grease the cables, protect the engine.
👉 Proper storage means preparing for relaunch without unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion | Aluminum Boats
Maintaining an aluminum boat isn’t complicated. But these mistakes must be avoided.
Five overlooked steps are enough to ruin years of enjoyment.
By choosing the right products, keeping the boat dry, monitoring corrosion, maintaining the floor and fasteners, and storing it correctly, you ensure longevity.
A little effort today, peaceful outings tomorrow.
FAQ | Aluminum Boats
1. Can I wash my boat with bleach? | Aluminum Boats
No. Bleach attacks aluminum. Use a mild soap.
2. What should I do if I find corrosion?
Lightly sand, apply a marine primer, protect the area.
3. When should I change sacrificial anodes?
Every 1 to 2 years. More often in saltwater.
4. My floor is wood. How do I protect it?
Marine varnish or epoxy resin, and complete drying after each outing.
5. Which tarp should I choose for winterization?
A breathable and robust marine tarp, never a simple blue tarp.
Thank you for taking the time to read 🙏
📧 Contact us: commere@admetalartisanal.com
👉 Follow Chaloupe Commère on Facebook and Instagram.
Chaloupe Commère – The art of aluminum, the passion for water. 🚤
