clening/polishing anodized aluminum

I have checked the forums to find out how to clean my oxidized mast and all the other black aluminum on my boat. i had seen where some said to use penetrol. i was buffing out my hulls with turtle wax low cut polishing compound (it worked really well by the way) and wondered if it would do anything to my mast..... i tried it with what was left on the buffer and i was amazed at the result! my mast, rudder castings, tiller arms etc. are like brand new! (my boat is 31 years old) does any one see any negatives to this? it was to dark to take pics but will try tomorrow in the daylight.

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1978 Hobie 16 31743

I like it, I guess you'd have to keep it up but thats the only negative I see. Pics? What exact compound did you use?

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

The only bad thing that I can see happening, is if you buff off all the anodizing, leaving unprotected aluminium.
Using penetrol won't do that, and is probabally quicker, using a rag to wipe it on and leave for 5 min then wipe off the exess, looks good as new.

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1992 Hobie Cat 18 #16943
Hobie Fleet 198, Rapid City, SD

Have never heard of Penetrol. Where can that be purchased?

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

i recently had the same question... and at the top of my mast, 82 hobie 16... i tried a sample of chemicals that i had... i tried just basic soft scrub soap with bleach... cleaned but did not restore a "finish" as i excected... then i tried 3M one step cleaner/wax... put a shine but did not remove the weather stains.... so then finally i used starbrite stainless steel and chrome cleaner.... that made it look like new... i laid the mast out in my yard raised on buckets and with a terry cloth towel buffed on a thick layer of the stuff and let it dry on their and then buffed it off about 5 minutes later... it removed all the weathering and restored a shine to it... did not take any color away ...Thankfully... i would recommend it, but for sure do a small test area before... mine turned out great and looks like a newer mast now...

just my two cents...

Tyson