Wipe down

[MacToon]

Ok, calling on the collective wisdom of you longtime 'tooners for advice - what do you use when doing a simple wipe down of your boat? I'm not talking about a full-on beginning/end-of-season detail job, just a simple wipe down between trips to get the water spots, etc. off the boat. I always used a 50/50 mix of vinegar & water on my old boat's gelcoat, but not sure if that will work on aluminum. My 'toon has the aluminum "exoskeleton" (similar to Bennington/South Bay, etc. boats) with the colored aluminum fence underneath, and Meguiar's spray wax raises hell with the bare aluminum. Does vinegar and water do the trick, or does anybody have a better suggestion? I'd also like to get the water spots off the logs themselves, but not talking about an acid wash or polish job (I may take that on in the off-season, but not right now). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[TSully980]

Good post!
I just purchased my first boat earlier this summer and was wondering the same thing. As I don't want to have a "detailing process" after each excursion. Anxiously waiting an informed reply.
Troy

[Doctordeere]

If you're talking about anodized aluminum, stay away from vinegar, aluminum brighteners, and other chemical cleaners. Just go to Wal-Mart or an auto parts store and buy some car wash soap (NOT the kind with wax made into it). Read the label for concentration and mix it at half of that strength. Use a car wash mitt and have at it, then rinse. It's safe for the aluminum, the painted surfaces, motor, and even the upholstery.

[BoatCop]

Mac,

You forgot to mention that our water out here is extremely alkaline and water spots and streaks can permanently etch aluminum. You may need to use something stronger than plain wash. If that doesn't work you may need to wipe down with the vinegar mix, and follow immediately with a mild soap solution.

[Doctordeere]

You forgot to mention that our water out here is extremely alkaline...

That sucks. We don't have that issue, thank God.
My trucker buddies use an orange citrus cleaner on their aluminum wheels, fuel tanks and trim. The citric acid solution removes hard water/mineral/alkaline spots without damage to the finish (when used according to directions). Vinegar is acetic acid, which is more reactive to aluminum if I remember my chemistry classes from almost forty years ago.

[MacToon]

Thanks for all the suggestions and information. BoatCop - yeah, the water spots out here are stubborn as hell...the combination of the alkaline water and hot sun really makes them hard to get rid of.

The spray wax works great on the fence itself (I'm assuming the aluminum is painted, not anodized), but the rails are bare aluminum and the wax leaves a nasty white residue on them. As far as the tubes themselves, I'll probably clean and/or polish them (depending on how ambitious I am) this winter and put Sharkhide on them, but in the meantime I just want to be able to get the water spots off them in between outings.

[DonCabo]

I use this stuff:
http://www.pcscarcareproducts.com/fw1ra ... ecial.aspx

FW1.... 4 cans for $50. Should last you 2 years. Spray on, wipe off. It's like dusting your boat. I use it on aluminum, seats, and fiberglass.

They make a "marine" version for the same price, but since most of our boats are metal, I've found this to be more superior.

It looks real nice and it's easy and quick. I can "wipe down" the exterior and interior of my 24' in 30 mins.