Aluminum Scanoe/Canoe Questions

We used to use powdered comet or Ajax and a stiff brush to clean our aluminum canoe years ago. Is this still the best way or is there something newer/better to use? This scanoe has been hanging in a shed for 10 years at least and needs a good cleaning.

What’s the best thing to do to the floor to cut down on heat/glare from the sun on the inside? There used to be some type of coating years ago but most of it is now gone.

 

I have no experience in this matter whatsoever. But since nobody else is talking to you...

Have you considered a diy bed liner? It would add weight but probably cut down on noise and I believe you can get them in gray.

Another thing I'd consider is those deck/concrete repair paints with the sand or traction materials added in. That stuff goes on thick, is very sticky, hard wearing, comes in various colors, and should add traction. I see it on the "oops" rack for cheap every now and then too so if you're not to picky about color it could be Inexpensive.

As for cleaning and polishing the outside I'd assume any of the aluminum cleaning and polishing stuff you can find at the auto store would do good wouldn't it? If Ajax is cheap and works though, why rock the boat (LOL)

 

I’m gonna try some Bar Keepers Friend and a blue scotch brite pad for the outside. I’ll check on the deck repair paint and see if it’ll stick to aluminum. Thanks!

 

@koditten any thoughts?

 

I'd take a knotted wire wheel to it to get rid of the existing coating.

Acid wash it with phosphoric acid.

Pre treat it with Alodyne. The same stuff they use on aircraft.

Prime it with whatever primer you like.

Then use whatever boat top coating color you like mixed with a bit of grit for traction.

I really like how my Navy blue turned out on the drift boat. The top coat paint is very durable. We wear cleats on our wader boots and it is showing no wear.

I don't know why more boats don't have a dark color interior.

 

^ that's my man

 

Damn, Skippy!

 

Been out drifting at all? We went from a ripping spring to hot and low cfh in a matter of days.

 

2 weeks ago did a float. Nice, relaxing drift down the river.

Oddly enough, I didn't have to be the full time rower. It was nice having others tackle running the boat (even if they ran us into the brush).