Best coating for Aluminum Pontoons?

[Maholli1]

Im looking for best coating for aluminum toons.. I have tried Mckee's37 wheel coating and its ok but wanted to know if there is a marine specific consumer one..
Thanks..



58274

[Derrick]

sharkhide

[Floyd]

Sharkhide or toon-brite

[TomBrooklyn]

This 3M 09020 Marine Aluminum Restorer & Polish on amazon looks like it might work well. It is reasonably priced compared to some other stuff I was looking at.

Amazon.com: 3M 09020 Marine Aluminum Restorer & Polish: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Aluminum-Restorer-Polish/dp/B000RZPNNW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1524571801&sr=8-4&keywords=sharkhide)

I may try it on the 30ish year old 17' Grumman canoe I just got, after I buy a DA or rotary polisher. It will be a lot easier to do with a machine. It's not dirty so much as very well oxidized.

After it's clean and deoxidized, I wonder how well and long the polish part will keep it that way.

[JKDesign]

McKee's 37 has a marine specific line called Marine 31- they have a product that is specifically designed for pontoons

Marine 31 Pontoon & Aluminum Sealant (https://www.autogeek.net/marine-31-pontoon-boat-sealer.html)

[rangerbay]

Sharkhide or toon-brite

Be careful with toon brite. It will destroy the finish, and leave them dull. Sharkhide is a good coating. But not a restoring, cleaning product. If they're not barnacle encrusted. Steel wool and lots of elbow grease can work

[TomBrooklyn]

Marine 31 Pontoon & Aluminum Sealant (https://www.autogeek.net/marine-31-pontoon-boat-sealer.html)

Marine 31 seems to emphasize the protection aspect more than any other aluminum cleaning product I've seen.

How often does it require application to work well?

[DTruck]

Do any of these products diminish zebra mussel attachment?

[PaulMys]

Do any of these products diminish zebra mussel attachment?

IMO, no product on earth will help with barnacle or mussel attachment. Only mechanical scraping.

Once removed, only very frequent scrubbing, or marine bottom paint will keep growth at bay.

Since the OP asked about aluminum, I'll state this as well: Be SURE to use a bottom paint compatible with aluminum, and NOT a copper-based product. The results would be fatal for the aluminum.

[Fiachi]

The green zinc chromate primer works good for corrosion protection
I would use the etching aluminum wheel cleaner and a scotchbrite to clean the surface.