Questions on finishing of aluminum pontoons

(1) Is there a means of reducing or eliminating barnacle growth on my aluminum pontoon boat? Defouling paint has been of very limited usefulness.

(2) I am told by the manufacturer that, with a proper zinc block, pontoons will not be adversely affected by salt water and that painting with defouling paint is not required. Do you understand this to be reliable information?

The manufacturer knows best, especially if a warranty is involved. Zinc anodes will be helpful towards reducing corrosion, but in my experience will do nothing to deter barnacles. But most anti-fouling paint is copper-based, which corrodes aluminum. I would not use anti-fouling paint on aluminum! "Regular" paint only, pressure wash the barnacles every chance you get, and get the boat of the water when you can.

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

We just bought a new Pontoon boat and the pontoons are all oxidized and ugly looking. What is the best thing that I can clean them up with to make them look nice and shiny.

Dissolving this stuff later is one thing, Chris, but pressure washing them before they dry would be the best first step. Fresh barnacles are hard to remove; dried ones much harder :-)

 

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

I am a houseboat owner and my name is Debbie. This September I plan to Completely refinish two 40' steel pontoons. I would like to know the best process for the best and longest outcome.Is there a paint (finish) that you would recommend? I am moored on a fresh water lake, and the house boat is trailered on land from October through May.

Thank You

I have the answer to the question for cleaning Pontoons that have turned bad. It is Mother's Wheel Mist [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] just spray it on wait for action to stop about 5 min and hose off. It will not shine like New but it will look Great. Tell them That Gary sent you.

The best way I've found to clean the toons are with a handful of aluminum foil and elbow grease.

I found on Bennington's Website they recommend Oxisolv's Aluminum Cleaner to clean the pontoons. Here's the link to Oxisolv's website: www.oxisolv.com/html/aluminum.html

If possible, check the manufacturer's website for your particular boat, they should have similar information on cleaning products for your boat.

We just got a new pontoon and Barkeepers Friend [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] seems to work really well. I hope I am not ruining anything but it keeps the pontoons like new. Takes a bit of scrubbing but I use very mild abrasive sponge works wonders so far and don't scratch.

Streak Master, Inc. has a new non-toxic formula. It cleans aluminum pontoons just like new.

Cleaning boats is not that difficult. You just have to find the right cleaners. We manufacture Brite 1 which cleans aluminum. If its not extremely coated with lime deposits and scum, and such especially underneath the boat, then you can use our Beauty Brite, Wizard Product Line. Getting that clean, sparkling look just takes a little maintenance.

Steffanie Barger Tri City Chemical Manufacturing Forest City, North Carolina

I just purchased a 1986 Weeres pontoon boat. It is in good shape for it's age. However, the aluminum pontoons are heavily pitted but they don't leak. I am considering coating the pitted areas with a truck bed liner material. Is this a good approach to prolonging their life or can you suggest something better.

Kindly respond, Tim

We make what you are looking for. It is called 1 Step Aluminum Cleaner. We sell to all the local boat people here in SC. 1 gallon makes 5 gallons of cleaner you just spray it on and let sit for 5-10 minutes and you wash off with a water hose your pontoon will look brand new. It takes no work at all.

March 26, 2008 I read about all the pontoon cleaners but which do I use! I just want them to be clean and shiny again. Bill Maxwell - Altamony, New York March 27, 2008 Good luck, Bill :-) You've seen seven recommendations on this page, and there is zero chance of any of the vendors publicly saying "Oh, yeah, that's right, I forgot, Brand Z Pontoon Cleaner is much better than the brand we sell" :-) Just pick one. I'm confident that all are designed for the purpose. Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey March 28, 2008 I have a 43 houseboat that has been in the water since Sept 07. Is there a way the pontoons can be reasonably cleaned while in the water? We don't mind making it a elbow grease project, but any tips would be appreciated. Steve Richards - Phoenix, Arizona March 15, 2009 I use a grinder with a thick buffing pad and some $4 rubbing compound from the auto parts store. I have a few pictures here : http://www.stotz.us/?p=919 Enjoy! Cameron Stotz - San Diego, California

I like to fish at the coast. I have a 24 ft pontoon that is giving me a problem. I am looking for information about an epoxy or metal filler to use on the pontoons. The salt is getting trapped between the carpet and pontoons causing pitting in the aluminum pontoons. Is there an epoxy or metal filler that can be used to seal and coat the bottom of the pontoons to slow this process.

I HAVE A SYLVAN PONTOON BOAT THAT I KEEP IN THE WATER ALL YEAR IN HOMOSASSA FL. ONCE EACH YEAR I GET THE PONTOONS POWER WASHED. THE MARINA SAYS ALMOST ALL THE PAINT IS WORN OFF THE PONTOONS AND I SHOULD GET IT RE-PAINTED. IS HAVING IT POWER WASHED EVERY YEAR ENOUGH OR DO I REALLY NEED IT PAINTED?

As for cleaning your pontoons check with your napa auto parts store they sell a cleaner for your pontoons that is very good; and to coat your pontoons in redding, ca paint mart you can get a coating that is a good price at 167.00 for a five gal can and works good; looks like tar but dries hard and lasts a long time and it is called "cold cat". thanks, scott

We have a metal pontoon boat with water stains down the sides from the tarp. We have tried just about everything to try and remove them. It is beige with decals so we have to be careful when we use our power washers on it. Would appreciate any suggestions you might have to remove them without removing the paint.
Thanks