protecting my aluminum boat

Question
I have a 1993 16 ft. bass tracker.I haven't own it very long but guess since it's fl. boat it may have been use in salt water a bit.I notice on the hull near the rear some tiny pitted areas,I used a small dental tool and scatch a small 1/16 hole through and another about an inch from that one.So far I haven't found  any other places like that, but I'm concern about any existing and continuing damage that may occur.The boat doesn't leak bad and I always use salt terminator in a hose end sprayer to rinse with, but if I have some leaking rivets how can I properly flush all the salt water out. I'm assuming there's foam between the floor and hull, and I don't see how I can get the water to run from the bow to the stern and adequately flush salt out. Also is there a product I can apply to the hull that would give it some added protection?

Answer
Hi David...thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question. Unfortunately, I'm not all that knowledgeable on the effects of salt water on aluminum hulls.

I anticipate the bottom area of your boat contains a bilge pump. Check it closely for salt deposits. Also, check the annode on the cavitation plate of the outboard motor for excessive deterioration due to salt water. If the results are negative, there's a likelihood the boat was used primarily in fresh inland waters, not salt water.

While the boat is on a trailer or blocks, fill the bilge with water, then observe from the exterior where there might be leakages, and circle them with crayon so a repairer will be able to readily identify them.

The small pin-sized depressions in the aluminum at or near the back of the boat appear to emanate from ordinary deterioration, since its not wide spread.

Just to be certain, obtain advice from your local boat dealer.

Safe Boating
Ron