Aluminum Hull Inspection

[moman]

My Hewes has some corrosion along the chines and while I now have good anode protection, I'd like to have the hull inspected by someone who knows aluminum. My goals is to remove whatever corrosion is there, stop whatever damage may be occuring, and maybe even make some repairs if necessary. My first thought is to simply take it to the dealer but I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on Portland area specialists who might be even better. Thanks in advance.

[Tacklebuster]

Post some pics if you would.
A lot of aluminum boats have "white' spots on the bottom and along the chines. I have found that the spots go along with putting your boat in salt water. Just something you gotta expect. My Seahawk has a couple of these spots and it hasn't even seen the salt yet.

[moman]

Good idea, I'll do it over the weekend. The previous owener painted the hull to the water line with a black coating that I can't identify, I'm hoping that it was done when the boat was new. Its where that coating is peeling off, along the underside of the chine where the corrosion appears. So, I fear the worst. S

[moman]

This is as good as well as I could document, althought now I notice the photo is upside down. Hopefully it makes sense. You are looking at the underside of the chine, the portion below is painted, the aluminum hull above is obviously not. The coating is chipping and you can see the corrosion? underneath. S

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/722IM001123.JPG

[Chrome Bumper]

Picture upside down!! Oh I am getting dizzy migh.... :sick:. Is the paint kind of soft? It might be antifoulant that is not compatible with aluminum. You might just want to clean it frequently, and if you don't need antifoulant (does it live on a trailer) let it go away. The corrosion looks cosmetic at this point. Break out the pressure washer, soap, water, buffer and cleaner wax. Note that antifoulants are typically toxic, that's what keeps stuff from growing on it, so be careful.

I don't advocate painting aluminum.

[1pump]

I wonder if the previous owner painted it to hide the corrosion? :whazzup:

[moman]

Good thoughts. On your point 1pump, there are some spots lower on the hull where I can see that the coating is applied over some pock marks so there was either some hiding going on or a previous coat was simply worn out before the newer coat was applied. The coating was not new when I bought the boat.