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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Oxidation white spots on aluminum boat
Q. I have an aluminum boat which has developed white spots and what appears to be corrosion. How can I neutralize what I think is oxidation? I know that the pitting is there forever but would sure appreciate any information on stopping the corrosion.
Thanks,
Dennis E. Dahl
- Grantsburg, Wisconsin, USA
2001
A. See if you can attach some zinc anodes to your boat. The anodes sacrifice themselves and corrode instead of the aluminum of your boat. You can then replace the zinc anodes periodically. The white stuff on your boat is aluminum that has changed into aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is "rusted" aluminum.
Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan
A. You can also paint the boat. If you use the boat in salt water and leave it there you'll have fouling problems. You can't use the standard copper-based paint on aluminum boats because they galvanically accelerate the corrosion of the aluminum.
Please give us some facts like how big the boat is, whether you use it in fresh water or salt, whether you take it out or leave it in.
Generally anodes and paint are the preventative measures but if this is a large powerboat, there are additional possible solutions.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2001
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