Imortance of Painting an Aluminum Hull?

[Kamalot]

I've got a new aluminum boat on order and have the option of having the hull bottom painted, my question is what is the opinion of doing this to avoid Negative Voltage (cold boat)?

This boat will rarely see Salt so corrosion isn't my main concern!

Thanks Cory

[Reel Creel]

If you care about how it looks, Then dont do it, paint chips! and after five or six years thats what you will have. Unless you take extra good care of the thing. I dont think it matters that much on the voltage.

[ 03-13-2004, 09:49 PM: Message edited by: Reel Creel ]

I'd have it painted. Aluminum will oxidize in air and become dull. A good epoxy paint will last for several years.

[Reelentless]

If you aren't leaving the boat in the water and painting the bottom is just for cosmetic reasons, I wouldn't paint it since you cant see much of it.

The sides, maybe. It depends on whether you want a pretty boat or not. Aluminum needs to be buffed every year to keep it shiny, which is a lot of work. Paint will stay looking good until you hit the dock and scratch it, then it looks bad too. Tough decision.

[skein]

If you like the shiny aluminum look, clean it up just like you would for painting, then apply Sharkhide. It's easy to apply, quick, and really does a good job of keeping the aluminum from oxydizing. It's cheaper too.

Skein

[Tyeebuster]

I have seen people suggest Sharkhide in the past. Where can you find this product?

[skein]

Do a google search for sharkhide. I sent for mine, but there may be a local outlet for it by now.

Edit: Note that it's Sharkhide, not Sharkshide.

Skein

[ 03-14-2004, 09:58 AM: Message edited by: skein ]

[Birdnest]

Just a thought on the Sharkhide. When I was buying my boat, Sharkhide was an extras option. My dealer advised against it, saying that if it wasn't put on just right, it really looked bad after a while.

Joe

[Kamalot]

Thanks for all the comments, my main concern though is the issue of Electrolysis. Anybody have knowledge of this issue? And would paint avoid the conduction of a negative charge?

Thanks Cory

Paint will keep the aluminum from contacting the electrolite (saltwater or hard freshwater) and cut down on galvanic corosion. You still have to install and maintain zincs.