A Few Questions I Still Have
Again, since Ive never had a brand-new, 21-foot aluminum boat, I cant personally attest to any of this. But I do have some questions that keep popping into my head regarding switching to an aluminum boat.
- Guide trip space: Im not crazy about guiding anymore, to be honest. But Ill do it on the weekends sometimes if my wife and I want a little more house renovation money. Will an aluminum list from side-to-side too much if I have three people in the boat? My Skeeter is the size of an aircraft carrier, which is another big reason Ive held onto it this long.
- Wind and waves: Thankfully I dont live on a lake that gets too nautical, but it can still show its teeth when fronts move in and out. Im curious to see how these new tin boats can handle that type of water. Even some fiberglass boats have a pretty wet ride in rough water, so Id be curious to see how an aluminum would hold up.
- High-speed handling: Ive only been in the 60 to 70-mph range in an aluminum boat one time and it was on glass-smooth water. Im curious to see how it would handle in a little bit of chop, however. My current fiberglass rig stays straight as an arrow at high speeds and corners really nicely, even in a chop, so Id like to test that on an aluminum boat at some point.
Totalboat 511784 Boat Paint
Natural hues of the paint entices me to continue purchasing it. It has excellent color variations:army green, earth brown, khaki, black, light gray, and white. A camouflage effect is also possible to create, which is useful for those who like fishing and hunting. I like how it does not annoy you with low VOC and odor level during application.
This aluminum boat hull paint has an amazing low shine finish.You will undoubtedly feel and become one with your surroundings, while enjoying the boats robust and long-lasting reflecting quality. Old boat repair is also possible because of the products strong capabilities and rapid adherence to aluminum.
I love how its not only visually appealing, but also resistant to abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, and UV rays. The paint also works on other aluminum boats used for fishing and hunting. Its alright to skip the priming and etching just sand for half a day before applying the final layer.
- For fishing and hunting, a camouflage treatment is used.
- Has a minimal VOC and odor.
- Great for restoration of aging boats with best finish and sheen
- Protects against hazards such as chemicals, corrosion, and UV rays.
- No need for etching or priming, and cleaning is simple.
- Needs sanding prior to applying the final layer
- Drying time of 48 hours
Rust Oleum 207000 Marine Coating Topside Paint
This marine paint works on aluminum boats and is designed for applications over water lines. Highly effective on aluminum boats and other surfaces like wood and fiberglass, it offers a fresh appearance and repairs old ones.
I like painting an aluminum boat with its silky gloss that exudes attractiveness, and noticeable gloss retention. These results make the boat appear brand new. You may choose your favorite aluminum boat paint colors and correctly apply it to the boat for a beautiful finish. The formulation is strong and oil-based elastic, making it easy to apply and dry in a couple of hours.
Keep in mind though that its not a good idea to create more than one coat in one day. Heavy or excessive use of this boat paint is not recommended. It would result in insufficient drying and less than expected results.
- Maintains and restores painted surfaces like brand new
- It is not recommended to apply more than one coat in one day.
- There are some stench during the application of the paint to the boat surface
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Other Important Factors To Consider
What is an Aluminum Boat Cleaner?
If you own a boat or pontoon, you have probably heard about aluminum boat cleaners. Aluminum boat cleaners are cleaning products that are specially formulated to restore the shine of aluminum surfaces that have become dull and stained due to the effects of water and weather over time.
An aluminum pontoon and boat cleaner safely and quickly removes scum, marine deposits, and discoloration caused at the waterline. The best cleaning products on the market contain powerful ingredients for removing oxidation from aluminum boat in order to prevent any possible stains in the future.
Having a top-notch marine cleaning product is undoubtedly an amazing investment if you want to preserve the look and quality of your boat.
How Does It Work?
An aluminum boat cleaner works with the help of its chemical ingredients which are proven to be effective in removing dirt buildup on aluminum surfaces. However, not all aluminum boat cleaners are made the same. Some include harsh and toxic chemicals in their formulation, while some are made of non-toxic ingredients which are effective in cleaning nonetheless.
The best way to clean aluminum boat without exposing yourself to toxic chemicals is to go for products that dont contain toxic ingredients. Since aluminum oxidizes unequally, you will find that some areas, especially those with heavy oxidation, are more resistant to cleaning.
What are the Different Types of Aluminum Cleaners?
- Restorative
- Polish
- Dual Purpose
Aquos Haswing White 12v 55lbs 48inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor With Wireless Remote Control
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman B 12V 55LBS 48inch Bow Mount Trolling Motor is designed and engineered to run quieter than ever before.
- The wireless remote control fits into the palm of your hand easily or can be attached around your neck with a lanyard.
- Cruise control keeps your boat at the desired speed by using wireless remote control to press on the speed up or down button then you can focus on fishing all the way, but you might have to manually correct the direction from time to time due to wind or current, meanwhile you can adjust the speed when you need.
- AQUOS Haswing Cayman 55LBS 48inch shaft bow mount trolling motor can be set up both in fresh water and salt water, it is designed to have excellent corrosion resistance, using a sacrificial anode that protects important metal components.
- Comfortable to carry the motor with the ergonomic lifting handle, makes you take the motor off the car or boat effortless in every using time.
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Duragloss 551 Marine/rv Aluminum Cleaner
The secret to keeping your boats aluminum and other metal surfaces shine like new is by using a marine cleaner that is formulated to remove tarnish. This aluminum cleaner from Duragloss is designed to get rid of oxidation and corrosion on aluminum surfaces which give them an unsightly look.
It provides professional strength that quickly and easily removes oxidation, tarnish, salt, corrosion, road film, gas, and soil that develops over aluminum boats, RV, copper, brass, and non-ferrous surfaces.
I am impressed by the fact that this professional strength formula is non-abrasive. This means that it targets the tarnished aluminum and brightens the surfaces without causing damage to the metal itself.
The application is very easy and straightforward. Just spray the cleaner on the surface you intend to clean beginning from the bottom to the top. You will notice that the cleaner breaks and loosens the tarnish to reveal clean, shiny metalwork beneath. For stubborn stains and heavily oxidized aluminum, make a second application and use a brush for an additional application.
- Not for use on glass and plastic surfaces
- Not intended for highly polished aluminum surfaces
Best Aluminum Fishing Boats Top 10 Picks For 2021
by Kyle WUpdated on July 2, 2021.
Boat Safe is a community supported site. We may earn comission from links on this page, but we have confidence in all recommended products.
If youre in the market for a new fishing boat and arent quite sure which one to get, have you considered buying an aluminum vessel? For one thing, theyre cheap certainly cheaper than getting any of the ones made from fiberglass. They are also quite light a feature youll soon appreciate the moment you have to push it off of or on to sandbars.
Theres also the fact that they can take more of a beating than boats with a polyester construction. Not to mention that they are extremely low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant. So, they typically dont have any lifetime limit to them.
Nonetheless, to reap these benefits, you have to ensure you get the best aluminum fishing boat for your angling needs. In this guide, weve reviewed the top 10 picks and put together a comprehensive buyers guide to help you choose the best one.
The Alumacraft Trophy 205 represents the next frontier in heavy-gauge aluminum fishing boats. It is built with the latest livewell technology, comes with spacious storage for all your fishing gear, as well as adjustable ergonomic seating for those long days spent out on the water.
It also has a lockable 8 in. rod compartment and several other fishing accessories guaranteed to give you a memorable experience while youre out fishing.
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Qingdao Colton Yacht Co Ltd
Qingdao Colton Yacht Co., Ltd was founded in 2010, specializing in the manufacture of superior aluminum RIB, fiberglass RIB, fiberglass boat, aluminum boat, and inflatable boats of all kinds. All our goods, together with the strict and rigorous scientific management process, are made of high-quality materials imported from South Korea, Taiwan, or Italy.
E.U. C.E. and ISO9001 are the manufacturing standards for us, and the Company has received E.U. C.E. certification from the U.K. LLOYDS Register. The business will now manufacture 5000 boats pcs per year and provide customers with OEM service.
Aluminum Vs Fiberglass Boats
Modern boats are most often constructed of fiberglass, but aluminum is the best material to choose for a workboat. Aluminum is more durable than fiberglass, which is prone to breaking or cracking from impact. Aluminum is more resistant to punctures also. Though sharp objects hit with enough force can puncture an aluminum hull, it is less likely to cause major damage. Plus, aluminum boats do not deteriorate and weaken from sun exposure like fiberglass boats, which can help extend the operational life of the boat. Aluminum boats offers all these advantages while still maintaining a comparable weight to fiberglass boats and therefore provide similar speed, fuel burn and seakeeping.
Aluminum Boats: Debunking the Myths
Myth: An aluminum boat will corrode from electrolysis overtime.
Fact: A certain amount of galvanic corrosion is unavoidable, but a properly galvanically protected aluminum boat will not suffer more than surface corrosion during its lifetime. Silver Ships conducts galvanic testing during all builders sea-trials. We only deliver a boat once it has been determined to be in the galvanic protected range.
Myth: Aluminum boats are loud.
Fact: A properly built aluminum hull with a true keel and welded frames is no louder than a fiberglass boat. This common misconception comes from low-end aluminum skiffs built from thin aluminum sheets that are riveted together, or a welded aluminum boat lacking enough welding to secure the hull and side shell to the hull structure.
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Top Features To Look For When Choosing Paint
The best paint for aluminum boats should be durable and easy to apply. You can shop for paint and primer systems to find complementary products that deliver the best protection possible, or opt for a paint that doubles as a primer to save time.
One of the main issues you can encounter with your boat is to have marine growth on your hull. Algae and other invasive plant species can attach themselves to your boat if its still for long periods of time. Species like mussels and barnacles can also grow on your hull and cause damage.
The best paint for aluminum boats should use copper or another ingredient to repeal these invasive species and prevent marine growth. Manufacturers refer to this feature as anti-fouling.
You should also look for a product that is UV-resistant. UV rays can damage your boats paint and cause it to peel. If your boats paint is peeling, UV rays could damage the hull of your boat.
If you need to paint the inside of your boat, look for a non-skid paint or make sure you can mix a non-skid component into the paint you selected.
Lastly, color selection is an important consideration. Some manufacturers offer classic colors like gray or white, while others have a more original color selection.
Totalboat Aluminum Boat Paint
Painting an aluminum boat does not have to be a painstaking process if youre able to pick the right paint to execute the job. Fortunately, to make the painting project a lot easier, you may give this product a try to work wonders for your most valued aluminum vessel.
This paint for aluminum boat is impressive, can ensure low sheen finish and it does not easily chip, peel or fade. And, since it can combat various forms of chemicals, repel abrasion and corrosion, this can provide maximum sturdiness and shield for your boat. There is no need to do the priming mainly because you can directly apply it to the metal by using a roller, brush or spray.
Moreover, this is formulated to be safe to use as it is free of chromate. It does not come with strong foul odor and can be instantly cleaned using water and soap. You can pick the color you prefer and this quart size can already manage a total of 80 by up to 100 square feet.
- Color on the can seems entirely wrong
- Paint tends to come right off
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Hunters Specialties Liquid Paint
If you need to buy reliable and premium quality paint in painting aluminum boat hull, this product is worth a try. As for ease and convenience of use, fast-drying ability and permanent camouflage paint color, this is the best bang for the money.
This aluminum boat paint does a good job of flowing well from a spray gun and it is reliable in terms of covering properly. Truth is, this paint product coats well over primer. Hence, if you prefer to provide your boat or vehicle a permanent camouflage paint look, then this is the one! This can help restore your old vehicle or boat and make it look like an expensive and brand new one.
It is not time-consuming to use and apply and it can dry fast as well. You can always expect a good finish without any hideous lumps to take care of. Its quart can size is already adequate enough to cover a large area.
- Tends to become hard easily
- A bit high price tag
The Center Beach Seat Live Well
With a live well fixed into the center beach seat, the best aluminum bass boats come with a live well. This living well is filled by the anglers gears weight through a hole at the bottom.
If you opt for a single hole system boat, if the boat tips to one side, you could face limited water circulation with most of the water running out of the boat. For longer periods, a living well offers more protection while fishing.
If you cannot afford an aluminum bass boat with a live well built, you can always build one by using easy tactics. If money isnt a problem, we suggest getting a boat with two holes to ensure that water is properly circulated.
Using a two-hole design ensures that it will spill out from the other hole when the boat sails from side to side, even though water enters through one hole. This means the level of water still stays high. Living well is an important aspect, so when purchasing the best aluminum bass boat, you need to choose wisely.
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Totalboat Aluminum Boat Leak Sealer
The best way to seal an aluminum boat holes, leaks, and cracks are by using this two-part sealer. Nonetheless, this sealant is easy to use with no mess to create a good seal.
Theres a standard caulk gun for the cartridge to fit in. There are two cartridges, and what is inside them? Well, they contain resin and hardener. Pop a cartridge into the gun to connect the mixing tip. Point it to a certain area and pull the handle.
Once the gun and 25-ml cartridge are connected, you can release three or four beads. You have the right mixture and an exact ratio of 1:1 because of this process. With this design, I can smoothly apply it without any mess. Also, getting things right will give you a proper cure as well as a waterproof seal.
The formula is sag resistant, thus ensuring no dripping on holes and seams. For maximum protection against UV rays, it is advisable to paint the cured seal.
To ensure better penetration and sealing, you have to let the finish sit for 75 minutes at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. So you can make a seal and aluminum boat patch absorb the stress brought by shock, vibration, expansion, and contraction.
- Needs to paint the seal for UV protection
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using Sealant For Aluminum Boats
An aluminum boat allows you to enjoy the water. The quality of the aluminum would be noticeable in just a glance, as well as the issues. This point of view encourages every boat owner to apply the sealant. With cracks and holes, the sealant would fix those issues and provide long term protection.
Hence, youll be able to avoid spending more money on necessary repairs. Some sealants would allow you to do the fixing while youre on board, even with water around you. You can do it right away once you see the issues.
You will only come across drawbacks if you dont follow the recommended steps of the manufacturer. Some cases are with inadequate drying time, or the mixture is not right. So youll end up with an unstable hold, and it suddenly peels off.
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