Corrosion Prevention Tips for Your Boat
Owning a boat is an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with several ownership responsibilities. One task that should be high on your to-do list is corrosion prevention. Corrosion can spread quickly and cause irreversible damage, which is why prevention is crucial. So, let's dive into some tips to keep your boat looking great on the water!
Understanding Corrosion
Firstly, let's understand what corrosion is and how it works. Galvanic corrosion is the primary concern for boat owners. It occurs when two different metals encounter an electrolyte pool, which creates a positive and negative electric charge. One metal turns into a negatively charged material (cathode), while the other becomes a positively charged material (anode). The cathode attracts electrons from the anode, causing it to lose particles, and corrosion begins to occur.
Where Does Galvanic Corrosion Happen on a Boat?
Some areas are more vulnerable than others, such as parts of your boat that contain steel, bronze, and aluminum, and areas that regularly come into contact with salt water, like the propeller or mast.
Sacrificial Anodes
Sacrificial anodes are crucial in controlling where galvanic corrosion occurs on your boat. The sacrificial anode is a metal that draws corrosion to itself, protecting essential boat parts, like the propeller and hull. Zinc is popular, but aluminum and magnesium are more common for freshwater applications. Use a multimeter to determine the hull's potential and refer to the American Boat and Yacht Council’s standards to figure out how much you'll need to offset. Keep in mind that sacrificial anodes break down over time and you’ll need to replace them.
Regular Maintenance
One of the steps you can take to prevent corrosion is regular maintenance. This includes washing the hull regularly and checking for any signs of rust due to exposure to water. You’ll also want to inspect the hull for any damaged areas susceptible to further damage due to corrosion and repair them as soon as possible.
If you want to learn more about corrosion prevention for your boat or need assistance with servicing or maintenance, visit us at Chatlee Boat & Marine in Sanford, NC. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Raleigh and Greensboro.
