Boat Detail Down Under!!!

[Aaryn NZ]

Howdy all. :xyxthumbs:

So, I’m not much of a Boat guy to be honest - I like being on one etc but I have no interest in owning one nor do I get excited about detailing them. Just not my thing I guess.

A little background on this one - A 2019 Frewza aluminium boat. Kiwi made, I guess they’re okay, like I said - not a boat guy so unsure?

Owners Son took it out fishing for the day (at this point it’s only a couple of weeks old) & upon returning home sets out to give it a wash down ... good intentions. This is where it gets ugly ... The Son couldn’t find anything to wash it with & the only thing that came to mind was Laundry Powder mixed up in a bucket of water.

A caustic mix & one that saw this weeks old aluminium boat go from a crisp new finish to an ugly stained surface. :awman:

Long story short - after some testing, more testing & discussion with the owner we settled on a plan & the work was scheduled.

My plan - to wash/scrub down with a Hydrofluoric Acid solution to
“Even out” the surface & deep clean to bring back to a “naked” surface. This was successful in that regard & as a few other folks said & I agreed, this was the best appearance but I knew that it would be susceptible to corrosion/oxidation & mark super easy upon contact.

Onto polishing. As I explained to the owner, to get the surface back to its “new” appearance we would have to make it somewhat shinier than desired at first but that it would settle down after a couple of wash cycles. (not with laundry powder)

Polishing process - Flex 3401 equipped with Marine 31 6.5” 4 ply Twisted Wool Compounding pads & Autosol Metal Polish.
Four passes saw the desired results achieved but did leave its fair share of micro marring which was quickly taken care of by switching to a Lake Country Orange Hybrid Force pad combo. :buffing:

I’ll run the pictures in a before - after wash down & after/completed order to better showcase the results ...


Pictures -

Apologies - I didn’t snap an after wash down picture ... :ban:

And just a couple of random pictures as well -


Messy work. Im the MAN

Whilst not a big fan of working on boats, I am a fan of getting results. Everyone concerned were very happy with what was achieved on this messy but fun job.

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by & check it out. :xyxthumbs:


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:


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[PaulMys]

That's one INCREDIBLE job on that one, Aaryn!

As a guy that has been in the marine (boat) industry for most of my 49 years, I know a few things about them. And aluminum is one tough cookie to get looking anywhere near perfect.

But you did it!

As for not owning a boat, you are wise. The old joke in the marine industry is the phrase: "BOAT---- Bust Out Another Thousand".

 

[Sizzle Chest]

Well done! Bravo! Looks great now...was a nightmare in the before pics! Yikes!

 

[Coatingsarecrack]

Is that a boat or the new Tesla truck? Lol I kid, actually a cool looking boat. What an amazing correction. Amazing job.


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[custmsprty]

That's amazing work! It now looks way to good to use!

Great job Aaryn.

How long did it take?

 

[Kamakaz1961]

Wow! Beautiful work and beautiful save! KEEP ON ROCKING DOWN UNDER!

 

[LEDetailing]

Ready to ride the “Tide”

What a transformation! Excellent work!

Glad you were able to save that finish, that aluminum looks really cool. Looks like a very utilitarian design, but a possible nightmare to maintain. What did you recommend as far as washing procedures and products the owner use to maintain that finish?

If Marty McFly had a boat I believe this would be his pick

 

[Aaryn NZ]

That's one INCREDIBLE job on that one, Aaryn!

As a guy that has been in the marine (boat) industry for most of my 49 years, I know a few things about them. And aluminum is one tough cookie to get looking anywhere near perfect.

But you did it!

As for not owning a boat, you are wise. The old joke in the marine industry is the phrase: "BOAT---- Bust Out Another Thousand".

Thank you PaulMys. :xyxthumbs:

I’m gonna take that a a big fat compliment buddy, thank you. rops:

Hahaha, “BOAT—— Bust Out Another Thousand” I like that! Funny. Actually I had a guy stop by towing a fibreglass boat (Haines Hunter, maybe around 17-20 Ft) saying he wanted it polished up etc because he was selling it ... said he had only used it once in twelve Months but was looking at buying a bigger boat ... ???

Is that a boat or the new Tesla truck? Lol I kid, actually a cool looking boat. What an amazing correction. Amazing job.


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Hahahaha! Awesome Coatingsarecrack! rops:

The best comment ever! It was the inspiration for it surely!!!

Well done! Bravo! Looks great now...was a nightmare in the before pics! Yikes!

Cheers Scott. :xyxthumbs:

Appreciate it my friend. rops:

Yeah, when I first assessed it, I must say it bothered me & as the day got closer to actually have
ING to do the job - Nightmares indeed.


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[Aaryn NZ]

That's amazing work! It now looks way to good to use!

Great job Aaryn.

How long did it take?

Cheers custmsprty. :xyxthumbs:

I’m kinda hoping they use it lots, catch lots of fish & remember the cool detailer guy that fixed the boat & bring him some fresh fish ...

I think in total (actual working time) around 10-12 hours. :buffing:

Wow! Beautiful work and beautiful save! KEEP ON ROCKING DOWN UNDER!

Thanks Kamakaz1961. :xyxthumbs:

Appreciate it mate, thank you.

Ready to ride the “Tide”

What a transformation! Excellent work!

Glad you were able to save that finish, that aluminum looks really cool. Looks like a very utilitarian design, but a possible nightmare to maintain. What did you recommend as far as washing procedures and products the owner use to maintain that finish?

If Marty McFly had a boat I believe this would be his pick

Thank you LEDetailing. :xyxthumbs:

Appreciate the kind words mate. Yes, indeed - I explained how much work was involved in maintaining Aluminium etc & suggested frequent use of Autosol Nano Metal Guard which is a synthetic sealant for metals in a marine environment. Also explained that this shiny wasn’t the intended look but a by product of the method of fixing the staining & that it wouldn’t take too long to return to a duller finish. Washing recommendations were CarPro Reset & a thorough flood rinse with water.


Aaryn NZ.:dblthumb2:

 

[Justin at Final Inspection]

Brother my hats off! This is what separates the pros from others. In all honesty I wouldn't have known where to begin nor care to even do this boat!!!

You killed it and that right there shows your workmanship!

 

[RTexasF]

Nothing short of incredible! That style of boat is unique to the Kiwis and Aussies, there's nothing like it in North America. I hope your upcoming trip to our shores is both awesome and uneventful.

 

[Bobby B.]

Such a cool looking boat. Love that's it's aluminium, but lots of work to keep it clean. Great job!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Nice!

For anyone that has never done any work like this not only does it take a long time and a LOT of muscle, it's also very dirty work.


I'm like you Aaryn, I not a fan of detailing boats or large things. Renny Doyle can have Air Force One and Joe Fernandez can have all the old World War II War Birds. Me? I much prefer to work on cool cars.


Thank you for taking the time to STOP what you're doing and take pictures and then LATER process the pictures and share them here on our forum. So few people now days know how to do this type of work and so few do it, so it's greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure the rest of our forum community plus all the LURKERS that visit this site each year to gain information but never join and participate.


:dblthumb2:

 

[WristyManchego]

Very ballsy detail Aaryn, must have been satisfying at the end.

Even more ballsy is using HF (hydrofluoric acid)!

What made you choose HF over HC? What precautions did you take to avoid contact?

HF is no joke, it messes with the nerve function and attacks calcium in the bone via tissue penetration.

PSA: I’m sure Aaryn went above and beyond to protect himself and the environment from the acid but please don’t use Hydrofluoric Acid to clean your exhaust tips or bull bar. It’ll work, but you have the potential bonus of cardiac arrest.

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Nothing short of incredible! That style of boat is unique to the Kiwis and Aussies, there's nothing like it in North America. I hope your upcoming trip to our shores is both awesome and uneventful.

Thank you RTexasF. :xyxthumbs:

You know, on our first visit to the USA we walked through a boat sales yard in Orlando (biggest one I’ve ever seen to be honest) & we noticed how different boats were over there compared to what’s normal here .... anyone able to shed some light on why exactly??? Just different or is it a performance thing? I would’ve thought rough water was rough water.

Thanks for taking the time to comment my friend. rops:

Such a cool looking boat. Love that's it's aluminium, but lots of work to keep it clean. Great job!

Cheers Bobby B. :xyxthumbs:

All I see now after Coatingsarecracks comment is the Tesla Truck!! Hahahahaha!

Agree, it would be a nightmare to maintain & exactly what I told the owner.

Nice!

For anyone that has never done any work like this not only does it take a long time and a LOT of muscle, it's also very dirty work.


I'm like you Aaryn, I not a fan of detailing boats or large things. Renny Doyle can have Air Force One and Joe Fernandez can have all the old World War II War Birds. Me? I much prefer to work on cool cars.


Thank you for taking the time to STOP what you're doing and take pictures and then LATER process the pictures and share them here on our forum. So few people now days know how to do this type of work and so few do it, so it's greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure the rest of our forum community plus all the LURKERS that visit this site each year to gain information but never join and participate.


:dblthumb2:

Many thanks Mike. :xyxthumbs:

Always appreciate the kind words my friend. rops:

Yeah, I knew what was going to go into this job & in all honesty I wasn’t keen on doing it. If I was going to do it it was going to be at a price that eased the pain & obviously that was in my favour. :buffing:

Thank you Mike, it’s a small portion of the involvement I would like to have on the Forum & a minor return for everything the Forum & its good folks have given me over the years.

Very ballsy detail Aaryn, must have been satisfying at the end.

Even more ballsy is using HF (hydrofluoric acid)!

What made you choose HF over HC? What precautions did you take to avoid contact?

HF is no joke, it messes with the nerve function and attacks calcium in the bone via tissue penetration.

PSA: I’m sure Aaryn went above and beyond to protect himself and the environment from the acid but please don’t use Hydrofluoric Acid to clean your exhaust tips or bull bar. It’ll work, but you have the potential bonus of cardiac arrest.

Thank you WristyManchego. :xyxthumbs:

Actually, thank you for bringing that up because it’s very important folks reading this understand that working with dangerous chemicals it is VITAL you take every precaution to keep yourself, the people around you & of course the environment as safe as possible. As did I. Actually if anyone saw me they would’ve thought I was some alien investigation dude, or the alien itself.

This product is designed to be used as an alloy brightner/cleaner & is fairly diluted in comparison to one we used to use on Horticultural Sprayers. If I could’ve avoided that step & achieved the results I needed, I most certainly would’ve.

The actual polishing steps weren’t taken any less seriously. Previous metal polishing experience under my belt (a couple of Airstream Caravans In there too) I knew how much product “atomises” during the process. High temps had me wiping the sweat off my forehead with my blackened nitrile gloves & everytime I removed my mask to drink, I ended up looking like I was in the coal mines ...

Thanks again for highlighting the need for absolute safety! rops:


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Brother my hats off! This is what separates the pros from others. In all honesty I wouldn't have known where to begin nor care to even do this boat!!!

You killed it and that right there shows your workmanship!

Thank you Justin. :xyxthumbs:

Appreciate the kind words buddy. rops:

Unfortunately ... or fortunately ... ahh, I’m not sure exactly, this job has opened a can of worms, I’ve had a handful of enquires from folks wanting their Alloy Boats done too. :buffing: Not so enthusiastic about that but I gotta say, for the same rate , I’m in.


Aaryn NZ.:dblthumb2:

 

[WristyManchego]

Thank you WristyManchego. :xyxthumbs:

Actually, thank you for bringing that up because it’s very important folks reading this understand that working with dangerous chemicals it is VITAL you take every precaution to keep yourself, the people around you & of course the environment as safe as possible. As did I. Actually if anyone saw me they would’ve thought I was some alien investigation dude, or the alien itself.

This product is designed to be used as an alloy brightner/cleaner & is fairly diluted in comparison to one we used to use on Horticultural Sprayers. If I could’ve avoided that step & achieved the results I needed, I most certainly would’ve.

The actual polishing steps weren’t taken any less seriously. Previous metal polishing experience under my belt (a couple of Airstream Caravans In there too) I knew how much product “atomises” during the process. High temps had me wiping the sweat off my forehead with my blackened nitrile gloves & everytime I removed my mask to drink, I ended up looking like I was in the coal mines ...

Thanks again for highlighting the need for absolute safety! rops:


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

Legend.

Was there a reason you were recommended HF over HC? Was it to do with its particular properties or it was simply available? Was the advice from a chemist or materials engineer by any chance?

Interested in understanding it’s benefits. HC typically does everything the non-chemist would need.

 

[Aaryn NZ]

Legend.

Was there a reason you were recommended HF over HC? Was it to do with its particular properties or it was simply available? Was the advice from a chemist or materials engineer by any chance?

Interested in understanding it’s benefits. HC typically does everything the non-chemist would need.

To be 100% honest - Yes, I went with this option because of the recommendation of the team that makes the product. I can certainly ask for further information & post an update here. They’re a great family owned business & very honest & transparent in this regard.


Aaryn NZ. :dblthumb2:

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Was there a reason you were recommended HF over HC?

Was it to do with its particular properties or it was simply available? Was the advice from a chemist or materials engineer by any chance?

Interested in understanding it’s benefits. HC typically does everything the non-chemist would need.

Hi WristyManchego,

Because I'm not a chemist and never try to play one on this forum, can you share what the letters HC stand for?



I know HF = Hydrofluoric Acid, which is a common ingredient used for chrome wheel cleaners as it dissolves the bond between brake dust and chrome so the brake dust can be rinsed off. But when I type HC or H.C. into Skynet, I don't come up with a common chemical I recognize.

Now HCL stands for Hydrochloric Acid, but that's not the same thing as HC.


If you can, clarify so everyone is on the same page as far as chemicals being talked about.

 

[RTexasF]

Thank you RTexasF.

You know, on our first visit to the USA we walked through a boat sales yard in Orlando (biggest one I’ve ever seen to be honest) & we noticed how different boats were over there compared to what’s normal here .... anyone able to shed some light on why exactly??? Just different or is it a performance thing? I would’ve thought rough water was rough water.

Thanks for taking the time to comment my friend.

In your area it's function over form. That particular style apparently is totally suitable for the seas encountered there by serious fisherman. There are many commercial aluminum boats here including some used by the US Coast Guard. Pretty they are not, functional they are.

The public, for their purchases, want pretty and fast. Fuel consumption is secondary. You'll likely see this in Florida with the many boats powered by 3, 4, 5, or even 6 high powered outboards. Horsepower from 700 through 1300 or more is pretty standard for those with the $$$. I couldn't afford to feed one of those beasts for an hour!