Hi All, a friend gave me a 1964 Starcraft starchief (18’ cuddly cabin with an aluminum hull). I’ve confirmed that it floats and that my ‘83 Johnson 90hp will get me out and back so now I’m in the process of making it pretty. I stripped the paint above the water line and the bare aluminum looks great but I’m worried about corrosion. The former owner kept it painted for this purpose (to protect from corrosion). He said that even when the aluminum oxidizes, the oxidation layer is porous and can hold water which will contribute to corrosion. Should I seal the hull with a clear coat, let it oxidize, repaint it (with an aluminum-compatible paint of course), and/or can I just attach a sacrificial anode (aluminum/zinc alloy)? How worried should I be? FYI I trailer the boat, launch into the upper Chesapeake, and flush the motor and rinse the hull with fresh water after every excursion. Thanks in advance for any advice, perspectives, or anecdotes.
