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
- Mild detergent
- 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 a mild
detergent with warm water. Avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish.
Cleaning the Interior
Materials and Tools Needed for the Interior
- Dishwashing soap
- Citrus cleaner
- Denatured alcohol
- Household carpet cleaners
- 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.
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 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.
