Maintenance and Care Guidelines: The biggest enemies of aluminum alloy boats are electrochemical corrosion and marine organism adhesion.
Must-Do After Every Journey:
Freshwater Rinse (Crucial): After every trip at sea, the entire ship must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water (tap water) upon return. Pay special attention to the hull, outboard motors, and welds, ensuring all salt is removed.
Keep Dry: After rinsing, open all storage compartment covers for ventilation and drain any water from the bilge. A damp and enclosed environment easily breeds mold and odors.
Core Component: Zinc Ingots (Sacrificial Anodes)
This is the soul of aluminum alloy ship maintenance!
Function: Zinc ingots protect the aluminum alloy hull from seawater corrosion by "sacrificing themselves."
Inspection: Inspect the zinc ingots on the hull and outboard motors during each maintenance. If more than 50% of the zinc ingots are worn away, or if the surface is completely covered with oxides, they must be replaced or cleaned immediately.
Caution: Never paint the zinc ingots! Painting them will completely disable the zinc ingots, and your hull will be the next target for corrosion.
Regular Deep Maintenance
Antifouling Paint (Bond Paint): If a vessel is moored in seawater for extended periods, the hull is highly susceptible to adhesion to marine organisms such as mussels and barnacles. It is recommended to repaint with a special antifouling paint for aluminum alloys every one to two years (be sure to choose paint specifically for aluminum boats; ordinary antifouling paints often contain copper, which accelerates corrosion).
Weld Inspection: Regularly inspect all welded joints throughout the vessel for signs of whitening or powdery oxidation. If any are found, they must be sanded and treated with anti-corrosion agents immediately.
Storage Recommendations
Land Storage is Better Than Water: The best place for an aluminum alloy boat is on a trailer or hull frame. Prolonged immersion in water will significantly accelerate hull aging.
Avoid Sun Exposure: If the boat is to be idle for extended periods during the summer, it is recommended to cover it with a boat cover. While aluminum is not afraid of sunlight, the boat's seats, carpets, wiring, and dashboards are highly susceptible to UV aging.
