Re: My Tuna Tower
If aluminum is heavily corroded, then there is no need to worry about what finish it has (or had). If you mean it has white fuzzy spots, pits or grey and white discolorations/stains, then why not start with a medium grit sand paper and work your way up the scale from there. Maybe steel wool in an obscure are is a good way to start and see how it cleans up. <br /><br />The aluminum windshield frame on my 40 yr old boat was about as weathered as aluminum gets. I sanded the fuzzy spots with 120 grit, then did the rest with coarse steel wool, then medium and fine. By the time you are into fine, it is starting to shine. I used auto rubbing compound and it was reflective. Finished with auto polishing compound and it was really shiny. Looked great.<br /><br />After two seasons of salt water use it needs to be polished again. I wax it often but salt is rough.<br /><br />After you clean up the tower, maybe an epoxy or urathane paint job would be the best way to keep it looking good. If you paint it, just a rough steel wool pad will be all you need to make paint stick well.<br /><br />Hopefully other folks will chime in too.<br /><br />Good luck!
<br />Capt. Mako