Christopher Watson wrote:
Hey everyone, just came across this group, checked out some of the posts,
thought I could add a post and say "hi" I just bought my 1st boat today.
It isn't much, a 14' AlumiCraft with a 9.5 hp Johnson motor. Young guy here
who works most his life, but like to fish on the weekends when I can.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good aluminum
cleaner. I think this boat that I bought may have sank at one time, and it
was there for quite a while..............you can kinda see the water line on
the inside of the boat. You can tell a major difference from where the
water was and was not, as the later is bright and shiny. I am hoping to
make the whole boat shine, so I was wondering if there are any chemicals on
the market that work, and work well. I power washed the boat after I got it
home, which got rid of some of the grime, but nowhere near all of it.
Lookin to have a nice, bright and shiny new used boat.............Any info
is appreciated, glad I found this group and thanks in advance for any info
you can pass along....................Chris


From the MIchigan State University Website:


Use mild a detergent and warm water when possible.
Alkalis, even baking soda, and especially stronger alkalis
discolor aluminum. If trying a stronger cleaner, pre-test
on a hidden place to be sure it cleans satisfactorily and
does not damage the aluminum. Always follow directions on
the product label for aluminum, EXACTLY.

Be cautious about using abrasive cleaners (scouring
powders, steel wool, abrasive polishes, etc.) as they may
permanently scratch aluminum; painted or anodized aluminum
surfaces will be permanently damaged. Do not clean
aluminum when it is too hot to touch, or if temperatures
go below 50 F.

On outdoor surfaces, remove bugs, sap, tree seeds,
etc. as soon as possible, as they harden with exposure to
sunlight and heat, and so are harder to get off. Suitable
solvents will remove tar and similar substances. Test
solvent first if the aluminum is painted to be sure it
doesn't also remove the paint. Follow label precautions
when using solvents--no spark or flame in the area and
have sufficient ventilation.