How to Prevent Zebra Mussels from Attaching to an Aluminum Boat

Skipper January 27, 2020 Ask The Skipper

Steven J Pidek Asked:

I have a 17′ aluminum boat that sits in a slip. The bottom of the boat is not painted it’s bare aluminum how do I keep zebra mussels from attaching to my aluminum boat. And what products should I use? What should I use on my outboard motor for zebra mussels?

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

Providing that the aluminum is in pristine condition (new condition), wash it well with Boat Clean Plus cleaner /degreaser, rinse well and allow to dry. Apply 4 coats of Alumetron to seal the grain in the aluminum to make the surface smooth, then apply 2 coats of VS721. Zebra mussels can’t stick to VS721, providing that the surface is smooth and has no microscopic areas for marine growth to anchor.

Here’s a link to our How To Video showing application on a bare aluminum pontoon boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzqTJmJ6n8U&t=30s The process is the same.

If the aluminum is not in pristine condition, send me pictures and I’ll advise you on how to restore it.

It’s also important to keep bio-fouling (slime) from building up as that’s food for higher life forms, like Zebra Mussels and Algae. VS721 will make the bottom of your boat very slick so all you need to do is wipe the bottom clean from time to time, as you see slime starting to attach, and your boat bottom will stay clean all season. The biofouling comes off very easily with a Marine Power Mitt, sponge or brush. The Alumetron / VS721 combination will also improve the performance of you boat.

If the factory paint on your outboard motor is in good shape, all you need to do is clean it well with Boat Clean Plus and then apply 2 coats of VS721.

You will need about 1 bottle of Boat Clean Plus, 2 bottles of Alumetron, 1 bottle of VS721 and a Marine Power Mitt (recommended) to do your boat.

The Alumetron / VS721 combination comes with a 3 year warranty.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora

Richard Kittar