Whether specifying a hardtop, T-top or even a tower on your new saltwater fishing boat, you might need to choose a finish for the aluminum pipework. The decision will hinge on your taste in aesthetics and how hard you like to fish. Here’s what’s available.
Anodized
An anodized finish on aluminum pipework is accomplished by immersing metal into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through it to convert the metal surface into a corrosion-resistant finish. Anodizing can be done in various colors, but most marine pipework is clear-anodized. It stands up well to salt water and rough use, and does not show fingerprints. However, if it is scratched, anodizing cannot be easily repaired, and the damaged area can foster corrosion.
Polished
Polishing raw aluminum results in a chrome-like surface that shines more brightly than any other finish. However, it does not offer the same corrosion resistance as other finishes, and so polished-aluminum is generally ill-suited for salt water. It also requires more maintenance—regular buffing with aluminum polish—to keep the bright, shiny look. It also shows fingerprints, and the raw aluminum is slightly more vulnerable to scratches than other finishes, but many small scratches and mars can be buffed out. Still, polished aluminum is best relegated for use in fresh water.
Painted
One of the few fabricators to offer painted finishes is Roswell Marine. Its automotive-style, glossy painted finishes feature an underbarrier achieved with a process known as Chem Dip prior to applying primer and paint. “This is where the real magic happens,” says Darrick Wilson, chief of design for Roswell. Once the pipework surfaces are perfectly smooth and thoroughly cleaned, the Chem Dip process produces a corrosion-resistant layer akin to anodizing, Wilson explains. The paint is baked in a booth to create a durable finish that stands up to corrosion in marine environments. Painting allows for a multitude of color choices, and if a finish is scratched or chipped, repairs are easier to achieve than with any other finish.
Raptor-Coated
Roswell Towers offers a unique finish from Raptor coatings that creates a thick, corrosion-
resistant urethane layer that is extremely durable. It will not fade, scratch, crack or break down, according to Raptor. “Think in terms of spray-on bed liner for trucks,” Wilson says. “Roswell makes it available upon customer request.” It is available in 30 different shades to match a boat’s color scheme, but has very little gloss and sports an orange-peel texture, so it gives the boat a rugged appearance.
Powder-Coated
Powder-coating is created by an electric charge that causes a dry powder to adhere to aluminum. It is then baked to achieve a smooth, semi-gloss coating. It’s available in virtually any color to match the boat. It’s more durable than paint and is highly corrosion-resistant, making it a popular finish for saltwater fishing boats. Black-, beige- and white-powder coatings are the most common, but custom colors are also available. Maintenance—wipe down with mild soap and water after each trip—is low. If a chip or scratch does occur, matching paint can be used to affect a decent repair.
