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I have a 17' Tracker aluminum boat and after this past weekend's rains a white powder-ish residue formed on the boat. I can wipe it off but doesn't get rid of it completely.
I keep the boat under a large tarp out from the rain.
Any ideas what it is and how I can get rid of it?
The powder could be a mineral deposit from the rain or moisture.
Have you tried to spray it out/off with a water hose. Could be something like a mineral deposite. Or it could be a mildew/.mold with as warm and humid its been lately.
could it possibly be aluminum oxidation?
could it be an ectoplasmic residue left by the haunting ghost of all the crappie that have died in the boat??
You probably have some electrolysis occuring. The causes can be complex. Another type of metal (like copper) touching the aluminum somewhere can start the process. Make sure your zincs are still good. If they are over 1/2 gone, replace. If your boat sits in a marina, there may be stray current causing it. If you see any pitting on the hull, you definitely have a problem. Probably best to talk to a professional at that point.
You may also disconnect your batteries. I had this problem with my old aluminum boat. It ate small holes throught the boat. Tried washing it, even tried some neutralizing product, like baking soda. Where you see the white dust, this is where the pin holes begin. As they say, I believe that most of this problem is created by electolyis.
Have you questioned the boat mfg? It may be worth a try.
Chuck
After all that I've heard and researched, it all points to aluminum oxidation. I'll get to tearing it down and look for electrolysis.
Thanks everyone
Look for Alumabrite at your local truck accessory store. It's an acid that will take care of it, not hurt your carpet-plactics-rubber-etc., and make her look show floor new. Wear rubber gloves and don't get it on your hands and especially under your fingernails. Spray on and rinse off.