Aluminum Boat Polish

[Catchalot]

How about some advice on what kind of boat polish I should use on my aluminum boat. It's a 2001 Tjet and it doesn't look terrible, but i'd like to get it shiny again. I've heard about Sharkhide, but nothing else. That product is expensive, but it is necessary I spend the $200 bucks to get it if there is something cheaper that works just as well if not better?

[pwrline]

I used "Mothers" aluminum polish and a buffer for a mirror finish

[ratherbefishin]

Flitz will also work.

[AlseaAssassin]

The 3M Aluminum polish is the best bang for your buck in my opinon.

[Catchalot]

Should I clean the boat with a cleaner before I polish and if I so, what are the opinions there? Thanks again

[AlseaAssassin]

Depends on how much gunk is built up.

[crunchy]

And how do u get those hard to reach places under the boat, jack the boat up??

[team anarchy]

I used an acid wash and a 3-M aluminum polish 2 years ago and it blows. This year used bathroom scrubbing bubbles to get off the scum and then Mothers Mag Wheel and Aluminum polish and it came out sweet. Still going to apply Sharkhide. I will report back in 2 or 3 or 4? years with an update.

[iwanttofish]

Originally Posted by team anarchy

I used an acid wash and a 3-M aluminum polish 2 years ago and it blows. This year used bathroom scrubbing bubbles to get off the scum and then Mothers Mag Wheel and Aluminum polish and it came out sweet. Still going to apply Sharkhide. I will report back in 2 or 3 or 4? years with an update.

Where did you get the acid wash at?

[Fishnchips]

Start with a good cleaning, rinse, dry, then polish with mother's aluminum polish. Next- Wash, rinse, dry and then coat with Gibbs Brand!

http://www.gibbsbrand.net/

[t_birder]

Originally Posted by Catchalot

How about some advice on what kind of boat polish I should use on my aluminum boat. It's a 2001 Tjet and it doesn't look terrible, but i'd like to get it shiny again. I've heard about Sharkhide, but nothing else. That product is expensive, but it is necessary I spend the $200 bucks to get it if there is something cheaper that works just as well if not better?

Hi there Catchalot,
This is Clint here from Flatwater. I own the company that produces the line of Sharkhide products.
I saw your post and I was a bit curious about the $200 price for polish. What size boat are you doing??
Clint

[Salmonid]

I've used Mothers on my Tjet. Then I finished it off with a wax. This delayed the oxidizing below the water line. I know this because I didn't wax the transom and it oxidized quicker. It has lasted a good three years. I will wax below the water line again perhaps next winter.

Some advise, a buffer is a must. Preferably a commercial buffer. You will also need at least two wool buffing pads. Expect to get dirty but it is possible to get a mirror shine. Also, it will take some time depending upon how shiny you want the boat. But once you do it the first time, each time there after will not take so long.

[SilverBullets]

Originally Posted by pwrline

I used "Mothers" aluminum polish and a buffer for a mirror finish

That's what I use also!