How to prevent Algae from growing on Aluminum Pontoon Boats

Skipper August 4, 2021 Ask The Skipper

Emil M asked:

We have a pontoon boat that we keep in a wet slip, and are considering trying VS721 on the bare aluminum to keep algae from accumulating on the toons. Does VS721 change the appearance of raw aluminum in any way? If we only treated from just above the water line down, would it be noticeable? Also, is VS721 your best product for this, or do you have something else that is better for raw aluminum and preventing algae growth?

Answer:

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Hi Emil,

VS721 is clear and does not change the appearance of the aluminum. It’s a foul release coating, not anti-fouling. It does not contain any heavy metal, toxic, biocides to kill surrounding marine growth and it does not promote galvanic corrosion. Instead, it provides a very smooth and slippery surface that makes it difficult for marine life to attach.

The problem with using it on raw aluminum is that the aluminum has a fine grain and because the VS721 is a very thin coating, it does not fill in the grain so algae is able to anchor itself in the grain, which makes it more difficult to remove. Others that have tried VS721 on raw aluminum have been disappointed, especially if they don’t maintain the pontoons.

To get optimum results, you need to first seal the pontoons with Alumetron to make the surface smooth and fill in the grain and then apply VS721 over that. In addition, you also need to wipe the slime off the surface of the pontoons from time to time. A lot of boat owners do this in the water when they are swimming around the boat. Slime is bacteria in water and it attaches to everything, but it wipes off very easily from the VS721. It’s also food for higher life forms like algae and other bio-fouling. If you keep the slime off, you won’t get any growth. Also, because it’s so slippery, it improves the performance of the boat and reduces fuel consumption.

Here’s some links that you will find informative:
https://www.auroramarine.com/aurora/gallery/gallery-grizly-ridge.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzqTJmJ6n8U&pp=sAQA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84av5o4HlRM&t=8s&pp=sAQA
https://www.auroramarine.com/main/ask-the-skipper/how-do-i-maintain-my-pontoons-after-applying-alumetron/
https://www.auroramarine.com/main/ask-the-skipper/

Thanks for your question,
Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar