Aluminum boats and salt water

So can you use an aluminum boat in saltwater. Joined Oct 14 2003 8509 Posts.

The Coast Guard and Navy prefer them for small craft and many commercial boats are aluminum as are many recreational craft.

Aluminum boats and salt water. Can You Use an Aluminum Boat in Saltwater. So can you use an aluminum boat in saltwater. Yes you can use an aluminum boat in saltwater.

This is the short answer and there is much more to know so lets dig into the details. According to Ed Sherman an education director at the American Boat and Yacht Council Saltwater is hash stuff. Aluminum boats are an ideal way to spend the hot summer days out on the ocean.

The lightweight material and durability make them an attractive type of boat to have when enjoying the wide-open seas. However it is important to note that special care must be given to aluminum boats used on saltwater. When not in contact with other metals aluminum can do quite well in both fresh and saltwater needing only bottom paint for aluminum boats to prevent fouling.

However to play it safe the American Boat and Yacht Council ABYC recommends that aluminum vessels shall have a protective paint coating that provides a high electrical resistance barrier between the. Does Salt Water Damage Aluminum Boats. Does saltwater damage aluminum boats.

Yes salt water corrosion does damage aluminum boats. Over time aluminum slowly oxidates in saltwater. The electrochemical inside the aluminum of the boat isnt strong enough to handle the harsh effects of corrosion caused by the saltwater.

Aluminum does a great job of resisting corrosion. Aluminum boats are safe to be used in saltwater. In fact aluminum is known for its ability to resist corrosion well but it can still corrode under certain circumstances.

For boating in saltwater extra maintenance is required for a boat. Aluminum boats require special care to prevent salt water corrosion. Theyre light economical nearly maintenance-free easy to repair and almost impervious to damage.

The Coast Guard and Navy prefer them for small craft and many commercial boats are aluminum as are many recreational craft. The primary issue with aluminum fishing boats that are regularly used in saltwater is the possibility of electrolysis which causes rapid corrosion. This generally occurs when 2 different types of adjoining metals come in continuous contact with saltwater.

However aluminum boats are a popular choice among anglers pleasure boaters and watermen so this particular metal can clearly handle exposure to salt water with proper care. In fact aluminum can be a smart choice whether youre planning to make waves in a boat or enjoy the ocean breeze in a seaside home with aluminum handrails. Now you mention salt water and protection from galvanic corrosion.

Just like any piece of metal aluminum will corrode over time that is why boats that are left in salt water do need to be bottom painted this creates a barrier from the salt water. It also helps with growth. The second requirement is having the proper cathodic protection.

The only problem with aluminum boats especially the ones that come from a fresh water environment is that the owners have a tenancy to use non-stainless steel components. Anything attached to the. Aluminum boats in general and Duroboats in particular offer great performance ease of maintenance and economy.

The need to operate in salt water should not deny you those benefits but you must be smart about it. It is good to be concerned and keep an eye on corrosion. All metal boats are potential candidates for galvanic corrosion.

Salt Water VS Aluminum Boats. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 11 of 11 Posts. Steve Ericsson Registered.

Joined Oct 14 2003 8509 Posts. Discussion Starter 1 Sep 28 2014. Questions have been asked about buying used boats in particular a work boat.

Posted October 9 2006 Report post. Ive owned aluminum boats from Duranautic Crestliner and Lund. All were used exclusively in saltwater.

Never had any corrosion issues electrolysis damage or any type of hull failure at all. They are made for the salt. May 31 2002.

Anyone considering purchasing an aluminum tracker or using one in salt water needs to take note of the following experience. I have used my boat in salt water 6 times and have cleaned it thoroughly after each use. Heres an update from my message board post on 53002 regarding the corrosion on my 2000 TV-18 Tracker.

Many popular boat brands such as Marlon and Princecraft offer a range of aluminum boats that are specifically built to withstand regular exposure to a saltwater environment. These boats are available in a selection of styles and price ranges depending on whether the boat is intended for use in small bays commercial harbours inshore activities or. 20ft ThunderjetHobie 12ft Pro AnglerBoat Ho on KA.

Every time you get back to the dock spray the boat down with fresh water and Salt Away if possible. With the Salt Away you should be almost trouble free but there is no way to get totally salt free. Its the first thing I do after cleaning the fish.

Salt water proof my aluminum boat 16 ft Starcraft - YouTube. Getting my aluminum Starcraft boat ready for the salt water. Getting my aluminum Starcraft boat ready for the salt water.

Unfortunately in saltwater this means the aluminum in your boat acts as the anode and thus its electrons are the first to go. The effects of this are corrosion. In order to stop this process from happening to the aluminum in your pontoon tubes lower deck area and maybe your outboard motors propeller as well you need to add specific metal attachments to your boat that will act.

I dont understand why other aluminum boats are ok in salt aluminum yachts trawlers sportfishermansportfisherMEN party boats charter boats and coast guard boats just to name a few from the cold water of alaska to the bathtub hot water of the tropicsIf I use zinc primer and plenty of zinc anodes doesnt that protect the. To minimize the risk of damage caused by saltwater exposure manufacturers utilize a special paint called aluminum anti-fouling. This paint is designed to lessen the damage caused by saltwater.

Experts recommend utilizing aluminum anti-fouling paint on the areas of the vessel that will be exposed to saltwater.