An Alumacraft boat is built to last, but a regular boat maintenance ensures it stays in top condition for years. Keeping your boat clean not only preserves its appearance but also protects its value. Here are Alumacraft's recommended methods for cleaning both the exterior and interior of your aluminum boat.
The Exterior: How to Clean Aluminum
Materials and Tools Needed for the Exterior
- Fresh water
- XPS Aluminum Cleaner
- Mild detergent
- XPS Wax and Sealant
- Wet rag
- Soft cloths
- Hose
The Riveted-V hull of your Alumacraft boat is made from a high-grade aluminum alloy with a corrosion-resistant urethane finish. Here's the best way to clean an aluminum boat to maintain this finish:
- Rinse your boat with fresh water after each use, especially if exposed to salt, polluted, or brackish water, and after traveling over salty roads.
- Immediately wipe away the visible scum line around the hull waterline with a wet rag after hauling the boat onto its trailer. Dried scum requires more effort to remove and may eventually stain the hull.
- Periodically clean painted and unpainted hull surfaces using XPS Aluminum Cleaner or a mild detergent with warm water. Avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish.
- Apply XPS Wax and Sealant to painted hull surfaces to preserve the original finish.
The XPS Aluminum Cleaner has been formulated to quickly and safely remove waterline scum, algae stains, mold and oxidation, leaving a bright, clean finish.
Cleaning the Interior
Materials and Tools Needed for the Interior
- Dishwashing soap
- Citrus cleaner
- Denatured alcohol
- Household carpet cleaners
- XPS Marine UV Protectant spray
- XPS Marine Multi-Surface and Glass Cleaner
- Shop vacuum
- Soft cloths
- Trailer jack
- Fans (for air circulation)
- Vacuum cleaner (for storage compartments)
- Soft brush (for scrubbing)
- Bucket (for mixing cleaning solutions)
Carpet
- Use a shop vacuum to remove embedded dirt and sand from deck carpeting.
- Wash carpeting with mild detergent and warm water.
- Rinse thoroughly into the bilge after removing the drain plug and elevating the bow with a trailer jack.
- Dry in sunlight before covering to prevent mildew and odors before installing the boat cover.
Upholstery
The premium marine vinyl used in Alumacraft boats is treated with a coating to resist mildew and UV fading. A harsh cleaner can remove this protective coating.
- Regularly wash the vinyle upholstery and canopy top with dishwashing soap and warm water.
- For tough stains on vinyl like adhesive or rust, use citrus cleaner followed by a rinse with dishwashing soap and warm water.
- For ink, apply denatured alcohol to the stain and wipe off.
- Use XPS Marine UV Protectant spray to maintain the UV coating on marine upholstery, preventing fading and cracking.
Avoid using products such as Armor All, Formula 409 or waxes which may contain solvents that will damage the protective coating on vinyl. Never use industrial cleaners, powdered abrasives or steel wool which can scratch and cause discoloration. Take special care to keep suntan lotion and wet leaves off upholstery; both can cause permanent stains.
Mildew
- Ensure thorough drying of carpeting, upholstery, and inner foam materials before covering the boat to prevent mildew growth.
- For mildewed upholstery, use a mixture of 1 teaspoon ammonia, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup distilled water to remove the stains.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply a mildew repellent if desired.
Storage Compartments
Mildew can also form if moisture collects in storage compartments. Once or twice a season, but especially before long-term storage:
- Remove all gear from the compartments.
- Clean out the compartments with a vacuum and a dish soap solution. If there is a lip around the hatch opening designed to catch water, wipe it clean of dirt or sand.
- If mildew has formed on gear, wipe down the compartment interior with the recommended solution above, and of course clean the gear before putting in back in the compartment.
- Open all the storage lids on the boat and position fans to circulate air into the hatches to help them dry.
- Elevate the bow of the boat, remove the drain plug, and allow all water to drain from the bilge as the fans blow air through the boat.
Livewell
- Clean the livewell regularly to maintain a healthy environment for fish and ensure clear water flow.
Windshield
For glass windshields such as those on the Fish and Sport or Multispecies segment :
- Apply a quality glass cleaner such as XPS Marine Multi-Surface and Glass Cleaner and wipe with a soft cloth to remove most accumulations of dirt. For smoked polycarbonate or plastic windshields:
- Use a mild soap solution and damp cloth to prevent scratches.
Harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals or dry cloths will scratch plastic windshields. If your polycarbonate windshield becomes cracked or excessively scratched, replacements are available through your Alumacraft dealer.
With these tips, your Alumacraft boat will stay in pristine condition, providing enjoyment for many seasons. For more information, contact your Alumacraft authorized dealer.
