Staying ahead of corrosion

[crayiii]

We've been focused on trying to keep up on the exterior of our boat in our battle with corrosion. It takes a couple of weeks of routinely going around the boat and, using a rust remover, polishing stainless fittings, lifelines, etc. Once we make it back to the start, there's already rust.

Now however, we have noticed that inside, it's the same thing (pictures).

Is this just how it is? Are there products that help with this? How do you keep fr going insane?

[thinwater]

Inside the boat the cure is:
* Keep the humidity low. In some places ventilation is enough. In others a dehumidfier is better.
* Wipe EVERYTHING down with tap water once in a while to get rid of the salt. Then a light coat of some wax or protectant.


Boats vary widely in their resistance, according to the quality of materials used and the climate.

[sailormed]

if its green it is chrome plated copper. Use a quality chrome polish then protect with wax like Boeshield T9.

[Matt Johnson]

It's typically chromed plated zinc that goes green and chips like in the photos. If you do replace any of these, search out either polished stainless steel or chromed brass fittings.

Matt

[a64pilot]

My boat is 32 yrs old and to be honest all my interior fitting are in much better shape than that.
I believe they are Perko.
You don’t need “marine” fittings, but try to find SS ones, usually 304 or 18-8, which I believe is another way of saying 304.
316 is the ideal, if you can find it.

Of course SS fittings are way more expensive, but worth it.

[Hardhead]

Originally Posted by crayiii

How do you keep fr going insane?

I just lower my standards a bit.. The price of continual perfection is high, and the return might be less than the ongoing cost. I've adapted my reality to reality in that regard, but it's certainly not for everyone. You have to choose your battles. Admittedly, some may call it lazy..

[smith8273]

Beer keeps me from going insane, I find after a bit it just doesn't seem to bother me...

[jibstay]

I use Barkeepers Friend in the spray foam pump bottle and a blue scrub sponge to clean up the parts.
Then I spray and wipe them with Sheila Shine. If I skip the Sheila Shine, the corrosion comes right back.

Bar Keepers Friend More Spray + Foam (25.4 oz) | Multipurpose Spray Cleanser and Rust Stain Remover | for Use on Countertops, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Fixtures, Tile, and More (2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVRTZZJ..._dPJHDbGG7ZTFA

Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish 1 Quart Can Sold Indivdually https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011FQQNI..._ZPJHDbZ1045HA

[senormechanico]

When you get old enough and your eyesight gets bad enough, you won't notice it.

Just be patient.

[crayiii]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

My boat is 32 yrs old and to be honest all my interior fitting are in much better shape than that.
I believe they are Perko.
You don’t need “marine” fittings, but try to find SS ones, usually 304 or 18-8, which I believe is another way of saying 304.
316 is the ideal, if you can find it.

Of course SS fittings are way more expensive, but worth it.

These are what the fittings on a (well over) half a million dollar boat looks like after two years...

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by crayiii

These are what the fittings on a (well over) half a million dollar boat looks like after two years...

Good hardware is difficult to find. We’ve got some stuff that looks just like that after 10 years. Other stuff, much older (43years) and it’s mostly ok. I’m convinced the chrome on the bronze items is much better than the chrome in the zamak items.

I’ve replaced quite a few hinges with stainless when I find an exact match.

[jharding]

I have tried many different products,on the exterior I use collinite 850 metal wax, it cleans well and leaves a wax coating, doesn't corrode as quickly. I have found all collinite products are very good

[Cheechako]

You need to wipe and coat now and then to avoid that corrosion on the inside. It doesn't take much on the inside to prevent it. But it's easy to overlook until it is too late. Once it's pitted nothing you can do. Plain bronze is far better than chromed bronze/brass as you can always restore it. SS is better yet for less work.

[tarian]

Replace with Brass or stainless 304 to 316 , these are cheap fittings and you will never win its a maintence issue you will have for years , also keep your boat dry, a dehumidifer when on shore power or away keeps it dry , my 41 year old boat had or has all brass and still ok

[Gary206]

I used a product called "ABC Corrosion Buster" to restore my below decks faucets and hinges that looked much like the photos provided. I applied it with a rag, then used the blue (non-scratching) scotch pads, then wiped with a clean cloth. Results exceeded my expectations and I'd call it "80-90%" like new. I was seriously on the verge of buying replacement parts so this was a win for me.