That sounds like a winner. I have sanded down a aluminum John boat before, it can get nasty. I used naval jelly and a wire brush, but that sounds much easier. Be sure to get some good eye protection.

find a heated pressure washer used to clean parking lots cheap and clean

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!

If I repaint the boat, is it then necessary to remove all of the old paint or just the paint that is already flaking off? What's the best paint for an aluminum boat and do I need a primer or is there a primer and paint combo?

I would just add paint myself
old aluminum boats need extra layers of paint it seems to me
besides the camo effect it may help seal an old injury

I used Savogran superstrip for wood/metal/auto and marine..From Sher-Will..and then painted according to and with http://www.bottompaintstore.com/duralux-...08fcb4973...Put on with Roller and a little brushing..Looks like it was sprayed on ..Did it 2y agostill looks great

Soda blast it. my grandfather left behind a 14' aluminum boat and im restoring it very slowly. had it soda blasted last spring and it came out great. all i had to do was spray it out after. it didnt mess with the sealant that bad either. i was worried it would. if you can find someone that soda blasts id go for that. i paid 200 to have it done to mine

Just don't use rattle can paint. I wire cup on a drilled the whole thing then I slopped etching primer on then brushed oil based on my Jon and worked just fine. Rattle can old plastic bass seats and like you said white flakes paint all over everything! Bad,bad,bad that just never goes away.