Aluminium Pontoon Boats: What You Must Know to Clean Them Properly
Boats should be made using materials that you can count on during any season. This is what makes aluminium such a good option when buying a pontoon boat. Reinforced aluminium is strong, durable and capable of standing up to the rigours of life at sea. Fabricators use galvanising and other protection techniques to make sure that the pontoon will be resistant to corrosion. However, you still need to do some regular maintenance by cleaning the pontoon so that the aluminium body lasts as long as possible. Here are the things you need to know to clean your aluminium pontoon boats:
Always Use a Pressure Washer
Scrubbing your aluminium pontoon with a held brush is not only slow but also ineffective. You will not be able to reach crevices on the body of the pontoon. This is why you should use a pressure washer to remove grime and dirt effectively from all parts of the pontoon. Jets of water flowing at high pressure penetrate all the hard to reach areas and blast out all the grime and dirt that stuck to the aluminium body. In doing so, you will be left with a sparkling aluminium frame that enables you to pinpoint any areas in need of patching and repairs.
Follow the Manufacturer's Guide
When you bought your pontoon, it must have come with a whole load of information including how best you can clean it. Such guides specify what's best for your aluminium pontoon depending on the galvanic and protective coatings used to keep the pontoon in good shape. Failure to follow these instructions can easily damage the frame. For instance, cleaning solutions used for abrading cleaning hasten wear and tear of galvanic coating and expose the pontoon to corrosive seawater. You should thus go through the manufacturer's manual before cleaning the pontoon. If you don't have a manual, contact your vendor for a few handy tips that will keep you from damaging your pontoon.
De-oxidising is Necessary for Perfect Results
Even with protective coatings, it is common to find the sea taking a toll on your pontoon. Spots of rust, discolouration and stains appear and affect the beauty of the pontoon. Sadly, you cannot get rid of this menace even after using a pressure washer. You must get a dedicated aluminium cleaner and apply a special shine using a polishing ball. Apply the dedicated cleaner on the boat, let it stay on the framework for the required period and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.