Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

[biglurr54]

I have an 18 ft aluminum boat on a lake. It is in the water all year. I get the usual scum line then it turns into a green brown algae that covers the bottom of the boat. Its not a huge deal but it looks bad and its a pain to have to clean all the time. Has anyone tried to put a bottom coat on to prevent algae build up. I know the good copper paint is hard to find but would it work?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

The only way i know of is to use it more.

 

[biglurr54]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

Good answer

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

The only way i know of is to use it more.

That or pull it out when not is use but I prefer Hawkers answer.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

Ayuh,.... I use Rustoleum as bottom paint,... It's Slicker than 'ell for a season or two,...

Just Runnin' it boat is usually enough to clean most of the wildlife off 'er...

Battleship grey, rolled on every year or two...

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

No cure all to keep it off if you wet slip it. Mine is in fresh all summer and it's even bottom painted.

 

[thesignguy]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

We use a product called "REJEX" it does not eliminate the problem but it helps. Its a cream that you rub on like a wax at $20 for a bottle.

I apply it once when launching in April, pull the boat around July 1 clean the hull and reapply the REJEX until the boat is pulled for the winter.

Our neighbor puts his boat in the beginning of May and takes it out every two months. He just uses a average power washer and a long soft brush to reach under the hull, he swears by it. He's been at this longer then I have

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

DO NOT PUT COPPER BOTTOM PAINT ON AN ALUMINUM BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will cause serious corrosion.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Preventing Algae build up on Boat Fresh Water

I I know the good copper paint is hard to find but would it work?

There is no good copper based bottom paint for aluminum. You might as well just grab a drill and put holes in the hull.