- 1). Assess any damage. Put your boat on land and check for any damage or corrosion. If you seal an already corroding boat, the aluminum will continue to dissolve. Also check behind any chipped or peeling paint as well as aluminum that has been scratched or dented where corrosion is especially susceptible.
- 2). Sand away areas of corrosion. Use an electric sand blaster to remove the outer level of corrosion. Sand until you see white metal and use a dry, soft cloth to remove any dust left behind.
- 3). Apply fluoropolymer. Fluoropolymer is sold as a film with an adhesive backing. Simply stick the end of the fluoropolymer to one end of the boat and slowly unroll it as you smooth it down with your hand. Be sure to overlap ends of the fluoropolymer so no saltwater can reach the aluminum underneath. Make sure this is done as soon as you finish sandblasting your boat. Aluminum begins to oxidize immediately and will affect the adhesion.
- 4). Install anodes. Aluminum has a low nobility rating on the scale of metals, but magnesium, zinc, and zinc alloys are even less noble. Installing pieces of zinc or other anodes into the aluminum will cause the saltwater to corrode the zinc instead of the aluminum. This is called a sacrificial anode. Anodes must be replaced once they corrode to about half or a third of their original size.
- 5). Inspect and clean your boat often. Prevention is the best way to protect against corrosion. If you see salt building up on the side of your boat, wash it off. Also stay vigilant that your fluoropolymer coat does not get damaged, and promptly replace the coat if it does.
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