pedastal rotting

[tommyh]

The boat I just looked at to buy has a edson pedastal thats has corrosion so bad at the base that is only being held on by 2 bolts. Could this be a sign of electrolysis.

[delmarrey]

Edson pedestals come with aluminum screws for their base. If those are SS, then yes you will have some electrolysis. But it mostly looks like lack of maintenance. One has to keep alum parts painted or polished in a saltwater environment.
BTW I see 3 screws in the picture and maybe a 4th behind the column.

[Steve W]

I have the same pedestal in my 1986 Newport 28. The pedestal base started to corrode and I cleaned it up with wire brush and sandpaper, primed and painted it about 5 yrs ago. Paint still looks good, no bubbles or flaking so far. I see three bolts in your pic, so I guess you are referring to there only being two nuts underneath. If you like the boat, I wouldn't let the pedestal stop you from buying it. However, make sure the cockpit sole is not rotted, allowing the pedestal to rock around.