How To Protect Your Boat, Jet Ski, or Yacht From Corrosion

Technological innovation, particularly in the field of materials engineering, has given manufacturers access to new and improved materials designed for different applications. In the boatbuilding field, there are various fixtures, fittings, and other equipment used and assembled together which work to create an environment where users can have a pleasurable boating experience.

When it comes to metals used on sea vessels, there are certain configurations necessary to ensure all tools and equipment work without any technical interferences brought on by metal components and magnets.

On boats, for example, stereo and VHF marine radio speakers contain magnets, which can, in turn, affect the shipboard compass. Compasses themselves also have magnets, so having equipment with magnets installed near the compass can lead to erroneous readings by as much as five degrees. The same can be said for cell phones and other electronic equipment that can interfere with compass headings, as well as GPS devices.

Read on for an understanding of how metals, electrolysis, cathodic protection, and marine electronics work together in making the use of your boat or yacht safe and trouble-free. You’ll also understand why boat deck coatings and other types of protective coatings are critical to the functionality and longevity of all types of watercraft.

When two unlike metals – such as aluminium and stainless steel, or copper and stainless steel – come into contact in a saltwater environment, the salty air or the chloride in saltwater creates an electrical charge. This electrical charge needs to be controlled, or it will lead to corrosion in the lesser (or less noble) metal, which would be aluminium and copper in this case.

To inhibit galvanic corrosion, which can seriously damage your marine vessel, cathodic protection is employed. This technique involves the attachment of a sacrificial anode – usually a material with a more negative electrode potential (e.g. zinc or magnesium) – which protects the metals from corrosion by bearing the brunt of the formed electrical charge. This is why checking and replacing anodes regularly is essential to efficient marine vessel maintenance.

Marine-grade stainless steel contains molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen in certain amounts and 10 per cent chromium as this combination is well-suited for use in harsh marine environments, particularly salt water. Stainless steel is built to resist corrosion or pitting and can maintain its strength even at high temperatures.

It also looks attractive and is easy to maintain.

But while stainless steel is made to resist corrosion, it is not corrosion-proof. After exposure to a lot of moisture and harsh air conditions (e.g. saltwater and tropical climates), it will oxidise or corrode. Stainless steel corrosion can occur in freshwater environments as well, although at a much slower rate.

Different types of corrosion impact stainless steel used on boats.

• Atmospheric: This type of corrosion happens when stainless steel is exposed to dirt, sea spray, salt, or rain in the air or carried by the wind.
• Contact: Sometimes, small or microscopic pieces of copper, carbon steel, scale or other foreign bodies get stuck in stainless steel fittings, leading to pitting.
• Chemical: When stainless steel gets in contact directly with corrosive materials like bleach or anything with high chloride content, chemical corrosion occurs.

One of the best ways to reduce the chance of corrosion and impact on your stainless steel parts and accessories is to apply a Polyurea LINE-X coating.

For boat hull protection, and to protect stainless steel and other onboard metal fittings in various vessels, implement the following care and maintenance tips:

• When cleaning stainless steel fixtures, always use soft, non-abrasive wiping cloth (e.g. Chamois) Or sponge, plus freshwater and a mild cleaner (e.g. Dishwashing liquid). You can also use the same cleaning materials to remove pitting.
• To get rid of steel stains, you can try using warm water and mild detergent. If this mixture doesn’t work, you can make a paste of baking soda and warm water. For more persistent stains, add some vinegar to the paste and rub on the stain vigorously.
• If you want to use a rust inhibitor on stainless steel, you can use naval jelly or phosphoric acid, which is a mineral-based, inorganic compound. You can also use it to remove rust.
• Regularly hose down the deck and all stainless steel components (Plus using some robust norwegian steam) With fresh water to greatly reduce corrosion potential, particularly after a period of use or exposure to saltwater.
• Damaged stainless steel equipment, fittings, and fixtures should be cleaned and immediately repaired.