Letter 21588

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?

Alvin Blast name deleted
- Napa, California


+++

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. 
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.

K D Van Leuven
- Spokane, Washington


+++

I would like to find out what would be the best cleaner and polish for pontoon boats! Is there anything to spray, like a clear coat on them, or will it last long enough in water? I'm open for suggestions, since I'm starting to clean pontoons, and house boats!

Thanks!!

Mike Blast name deleted
- Albany, Kentucky


++++

Hello,

We have a pontoon boat which has been in the water for over a year without moving. I cleaned the pontoons with retail grade hull cleaner, which removed the marine growth but the aluminum is stained and is now grey / black color. What is the best product and method for restoring the aluminum?

Thanks,

Dan Olast name deleted
Recreation - Mt. Sterling, Kentucky


++++

Hi, I'm a weekend boater and recently purchased a pontoon boat that has sat in water all winter. It has algae, grease and grime on the pontoons. What is the best way to clean them and with what. Once the pontoons dry the gunk on them is as hard as concrete.

Thanks,

Chris Blast name deleted
hobbyist - St. Louis, Missouri

Pontoon Cleaner from Amazon


++++

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
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

Deb Klast name deleted
houseboat owner - Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada


+++++

I have the answer to the question for cleaning Pontoons that have turned bad. It is Mother's Wheel Mist [link is 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.

Gary Hlast name deleted
- Sugar Hill, Georgia


+++++

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

Billlast name deleted
- Lexington, Kentucky


++++++

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.

Kevin Black
- Lake Norman, North Carolina


June 15, 2008

I was researching pontoon cleaners for a friend. I clicked on the above link and got an error message.

You asked to be notified of broken links.

By the way, this appears to be a good forum.

Larry Lowe
- Wilsonville, Alabama

----
Ed. note: Thanks, Larry!


++++++

We just got a new pontoon and Barkeepers Friend [link is 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.

Patlast name deleted
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


+++++++

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

Greg Waltrip
- Dallas, Texas


+++++++

My bass tracker boat has white water spots what is the best cleaner to use on an aluminum boat hull.

william R Hatfield
consumer - Lacey Washington


+++++++

My 5 year old pontoon, a sylvan, has pits and oxidation to the point of near holing....during the summer here it spends all its time in the water. my question is what to do to halt the action and what can I do to save the existing tubes

Harold L Blanchard
- Ortonville, Michigan


+++++++

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

Timothy W Shaw
- Gray, Tennessee


+++++++

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.

Dawn Styles
Socar chemical - Greenville, South Carolina


March 26, 2008

I read about all the pontoon cleaners but which do I use! I just want them to be clean n shine 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 the vendors publicly saying "Oh, yeah, that's right, I forgot, Brand Z Pontoon Cleaner is better than the brand we sell" :-)

But I'm confident that the differences are relatively minor.


Ted Mooney
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


Dear reader

Post an answer
 
Post a question
 
Report broken links


Legal disclaimer boilerplate button


List of Directories
Jobshops Directory button Environmental Directory button Equipment Directory button Consultants Directory button Chemicals Directory button Test Directory button Help-Wanted Directory button About Advertising button Classifieds Directory button Booklist button

 

Link to Del.icio.us button Save This Page (why?)    -    Home    -    ©1995-2009 finishing.com