Chromed bronze turnbuckle turning green - problem?

[garrens]

We replaced the standing rigging on our Nauticat 43 13 years ago. Some of the chromed bronze turnbuckles are losing their chrome and turning green. Is this a mechanical safety issue or just an aesthetic one?

[Cheechako]

Aesthetic. Keep the threads clean though. If you haven't loosened them and cleaned the threads I would do that now. Some people lube them.

[SV_Harbinger]

Like said above its just cosmetic, bronze only surface oxidized and that is what you are seeing happening now that the chrome has given up, wire brush to gently to keep the threads clean and you'll be fine.

[thereefgeek]

I didn't answer the poll question because I don't believe in turnbuckle covers. Outa' sight, outa' mind isn't a good thing on a sailboat.

Our Tayana 37 is loaded with bronze and when I re-rigged out boat last year I special ordered un-chromed bronze turnbuckles to match the bronze portlights, cowl vents and custom bronze chainplates.

Turnbuckles practically last forever. A little green is merely cosmetic, and as long as they still turn smoothly it shouldn't be a problem. Just keep them lubed and you'll be good to go. We had a couple where the hole for the cotter pins were causing the inside threads to strip when we removed them. $80/each for 8 standing wires is a healthy investment.

[WanderingStar39]

If the green really bothers you, you can polish them and coat them. Clear shoe polish, vegetable oil, probably some petroleum products work.
Mine are bronze, not chromed, not polished, 50 years old.