PipeWelders Marine, Inc.
Custom Marine Metal & Fiberglass Designs
Care and maintenance of your anodized aluminum Towers, Outriggers, Ladders, Cylinders, or Railing.
The anodized aluminum used in your boat is the best available and is designed to marine specifications to enhance quality and performance. However, the marine environment is still one of the harshest conditions on Earth. PipeWelders offers the following recommendations that may extend the life of your aluminum hardware.
Wash it often to keep contaminates from forming or building up! After every use or at least once a week. Use extra care and maintenance when cleaning the tubing directly beneath the Hardtop or T-Top Canvas or Radar Arches. The aluminum tubing in these areas does not receive the natural rinsing of rainwater, plus the area is shielded from the sun and usually does not dry completely or quickly as the rest of the frame. If the underside is overlooked it may result in staining or pitting. Give your anodized aluminum hardware the same attention you would other materials on your boat. Regular fresh water washing with Yacht Brite Brite Wash® will keep your anodized aluminum bright.
http://yachtbrite.com/ for product information or your local dealers
Additionally, the aluminum should be waxed once per month with a high quality automotive wax to maintain the integrity of the anodized aluminum
ALWAYS
Always clean often, and do it thoroughly. Wash often to keep contaminates from forming or building up. Clean anodized aluminum with Yacht Brite Brite Wash® and water, soft towel or sponge is recommended. Rinse thoroughly and completely with direct fresh water. The important point is to clean and rinse your anodized aluminum well! When using metal protection products, be sure they are formulated for anodized aluminum.
Wax frequently with a high quality automotive wax.
NEVER
- Never use bleach or chlorides, as they have a tendency to leach on the aluminum, which could lead to staining and pitting.
- Never use abrasive cleaning products.
- Never use steel or brass wool, wire brushes, polishing wheels, rubbing or polishing compounds. These items will remove the anodizing and lead to pitting.
- Never use concentrated alkaline base solutions, many detergents fall into this category.
If there are any questions regarding maintenance, please contact the PipeWelders Marine, Inc. Sales office in Fort Lauderdale, FL at (954) 587-8400
See this page in PDF Format