hull refinishing

[basslkjohn]

I have a 1999 17ft. sportfish I/O that needs hull repainting. Do any of you know of a shop that will repaint these aluminum hulls? Thanks, guys.

[CAMAN]

Most autobody shops will do it for you. Just make sure they use an etching primer and not an automotive primer. Get a few estimates as I'm sure you will find a pretty big swing in prices and do not go with the cheapest.

I had a family friend who does bodywork out of his garage do my Lund about 12 years ago when I re-built it and besides the normal dock rash and a few scratches it looks brand new.

[Steve Bakken]

If you have a body shop do the work, make sure they are experienced with aluminum repair and refinishing. There are alot of issues that are unique to aluminum work. For instance, if you use a sander or grinder that has been used for regular metal, the metal residue will embed into the aluminum and cause electrolysis and corrode the aluminum. Also, if the bare aluminum is exposed to air for more than an hour or so, it needs to be re-scuffed before it is primed (even with etch primer) or it will begin to oxidize and the primer will not adhere as well. Just do your research with the shop before you spend alot of money.