Capt Kangeroo
Senior Member
Hello all, I'm looking for some feedback on rusting stainless steel. Being a former Great Lakes boater it is something I have never encountered before. I am well aware of the Taiwanese stainless issue and that the iron impurities will cause rust pitting particularly around welds but I'm finding even the "supposedly" North American stainless is rusting as well. The hundreds of stainless screws holding the rub rail on are the worst. Is there anything that can be done to control this? I have been wiping down or spraying every metal part on the boat with various anti-rust products but I can't tell yet if it is having any real effect at slowing or stopping it.
A few weeks ago I went to snug the huge stainless bolts on my rudder packing glands and was shocked when one simply twisted off with nearly no force. The stud looked brand new but the rust had nearly cut it in half just below the packing gland. All four studs were similar.
The second very strange rusting issue I am having is a very light overall rust discoloration or film on my railings and other things like my brand new barbeque.
The boat has an isolated AC ground and an extensive well cared for bonding system.
Being new to salt water I have no idea whats normal or not, any thoughts or suggestions?
A few weeks ago I went to snug the huge stainless bolts on my rudder packing glands and was shocked when one simply twisted off with nearly no force. The stud looked brand new but the rust had nearly cut it in half just below the packing gland. All four studs were similar.
The second very strange rusting issue I am having is a very light overall rust discoloration or film on my railings and other things like my brand new barbeque.
The boat has an isolated AC ground and an extensive well cared for bonding system.
Being new to salt water I have no idea whats normal or not, any thoughts or suggestions?