Tips for Maintaining Your Aluminum Fishing Boat

Aluminum boats are lightweight yet strong, making them both versatile and easy to use. It’s no wonder that many fishermen prefer aluminum fishing boats. However, aluminum boats have their own special maintenance requirements not found in other types of watercraft. By using these tips from the experts at Boat Country, you can ensure that your aluminum fishing boat lasts for many seasons to come.

Rinse and Dry Your Boat Thoroughly

Regularly cleaning your aluminum fishing boat is important, especially if you do a lot of boating in saltwater locations. This is because the salinity tends to leave a residue behind. While aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, resistance is not the same thing as immunity. That’s why you should remember to wash off any dirt, debris, or salt from your boat’s hull after each outing. Take extra care to make sure that all the crevices, joints, and other hard-to-reach places get properly cleaned. We also recommend flushing your engine by tilting your boat at an angle so that the water drains out. Don’t forget to drain your transom well and bilge too. Finally, remove any standing water using a sponge.

Protect Against Corrosion

As mentioned before, aluminum might be corrosion-resistant, but that doesn’t mean aluminum fishing boats are completely immune to corrosion. Harsh marine environments can take their toll, so apply a marine-grade aluminum polish or wax to your hull. This will create a protective barrier to protect your vessel’s hull against saltwater, oxidation, and other corrosive elements.

Check for Damage

It’s also helpful to occasionally inspect your aluminum fishing boat’s hull for dents, scratches, and other signs of damage. Certain areas, like the bow, keel, and sides, are more susceptible to impact damage than others, so inspect these areas even more closely. Any cracks that you find are a potential threat to your vessel’s structural integrity, so don’t ignore them! 

Shop aluminum fishing boats at Boat Country in Everett, Washington. We also offer parts ordering and servicing. We’re proud to serve communities like Snohomish and Marysville, Washington.