Hey guys. I just picked up an old 15’ aluminum workhorse canoe and wanted to see if anyone had any info on it, insofar as date of manufacture, etc. Most of the plates are missing off of it, but it does have the original plate on the inside of the stern. It’s a 15’ Sears Roebuck, Model #61005. The guy I bought it from had no idea where it came from or when it was built. It’s no big deal, but I was just curious if anyone knew.
Also, it’s in good shape but I was wondering what the best way to clean an aluminum canoe is. I’ve owned several canoes but never an aluminum one. Is it best to leave it as is, or are they paintable? I sort of dig the “old school” look and the old girl sure looks like she’s seen a lot of action, so I’ll probably leave it as is. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to update her look a little. If not possible, then that’s cool b/c I like it the way it is! Thanks.
cleaning aluminum
I’d just leave it. Maybe give it a good wash down but that’s about it. If you remove the “patina” and shine it, it will oxidize and look ugly very quickly.
Painting - yes, can be done, and done, and done again, and again, and…
Wash it down
Get all the big chunks and other crud off the out side and in side. What are the seats made out of? If the are replaceable, like webbing, replace that. And that is about all I would do, this way there are no worries when you add you battle scars to the hull. Your ding and scratches will just add to the history of the ‘old girl’. And it is much more enjoyable to paddle when you don’t have to worry about getting the ‘first scratch’.
Just paddle it.
You can polish it
and make it real shiney. For aluminum you can get the high dollar stuff as you would polishing and Airstream trailer. Or if you want the shine with out the high cost. Use 3M refinsh it polishing compound with a yellow bonnett on your buffer. Takes some work but it’ll shine. Also aluminum is more corrosive resistant if polished/smooth. Though you could still get disimiliar metal corrosion from the fasteners holding things together