Any boat people in here?

[SlugSlinger]

Acid based cleaners will definitely help, but to do your work justice you're gonna have to buff it too. The acid will "put a dent" in it but won't totally eliminate the blotchyness.
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You are exactly right. I tried the acid and it did little cleaning that I could see. Then I went over it with a buffer with some agressive polish and that made it look like a mirror.
Let me ask you this.
Do I need to use the acid before I buff it or can I just buff it? It seems like the area I used the acid on buffed out a lot quicker but I only buffed a small spot is far. I need to run and get some more polish.

 

[SlugSlinger]

Your attention to the trolling motor system will pay off in droves. Well done.

Thanks YG

 

[SlugSlinger]

http://www.starbrite.com/item/ultimate-aluminum-cleaner-restorer?category_id=565

I wanted to post this picture of how well this stuff cleaned off years of stain from my Tracker. I think the previous owner never even washed this tin and after 13 years it had a lot of stains and oxidation.

I tried several different cleaners including compounds with my buffer. And nothing compares to this Starbrite. You spray it and let it set for up to 5 minutes and you hose it off with water. You can scrub it with a synthetic pad, but I'm not sure how much that helps. It may take a couple applications, but you can see the dramatic difference and cleaning power this stuff has.

This dirty area in the picture was above my just recarpeted fender guards and I was using it sparingly not to damage them. It is hard to believe how dirty the boat was.
I found this at my local Walmart for less than $20 for 64 ounces. I probably used 20 ounces to clean the entire Pro175.

 

[SlugSlinger]

Just a finishing touch by replacing the front nonslip pad.

 

[doctorjj]

Just a finishing touch by replacing the front nonslip pad.

View attachment 102614

Nice!