Alright, so I tackled cleaning my aluminum boat today, and lemme tell you, it was a job! But totally worth it. Thought I'd share how I went about it.

What You'll Need

• A good boat soap: I used one specifically for aluminum. Don't cheap out here.
• Some brushes: A stiff brush for the hull, and a softer one for more delicate areas.
• A pressure washer (optional, but HIGHLY recommended): Makes life so much easier.
• Aluminum cleaner/brightener: This is key to getting that shine back.
• Gloves and eye protection: Seriously, don't skip this.
• A hose: Obvious, but gotta mention it.
• Lots of water: You'll be rinsing a lot.
• Elbow grease: Can't buy this one, gotta supply it yourself.

The Process: Getting Down and Dirty

First things first, I moved the boat to a spot where I could easily access it with water and not make a huge mess. Then, I removed everything from inside the boat – fishing gear, life jackets, the whole shebang. You don't want that stuff getting covered in cleaning chemicals.

Next, I rinsed the entire boat down with the hose. Just to get rid of any loose dirt and grime. If you have a pressure washer, this part is a breeze. Be careful not to get too close with the pressure washer though, you don't want to damage the aluminum.

Then came the fun part – scrubbing! I mixed the boat soap according to the instructions on the bottle and started scrubbing the hull with the stiff brush. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains or buildup. For the more delicate areas, like around the gauges and wiring, I switched to the softer brush.

Once I scrubbed the entire boat, I rinsed it thoroughly with the hose (or pressure washer). Make sure you get all the soap off, otherwise it'll leave streaks.

Now for the magic – the aluminum cleaner/brightener. I put on my gloves and eye protection (seriously, this stuff can be nasty) and applied the cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Usually, you spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes. Don't let it dry!

After the cleaner sat for the recommended time, I rinsed it off thoroughly. And wow, what a difference! The aluminum should be looking much brighter and cleaner at this point. If there are still some stubborn spots, you might need to repeat the process.

Finally, I let the boat air dry completely. Once it's dry, you can apply a wax or sealant to help protect the aluminum and keep it looking shiny. I skipped this step today because I was running out of daylight, but I'll definitely do it next time.

The Results

Honestly, it was a lot of work, but my aluminum boat looks brand new again! It’s ready for the water now, and that makes it all worthwhile. It felt great to take something old and used and make it look great again.

So, that's how I cleaned my aluminum boat. Hope this helps if you're planning on tackling this project yourself. Just remember to take your time, use the right products, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!