Corrosion Prevention For Your Boat

Water tends to speed up chemical reactions, which leads to wood rotting and metal corroding more quickly in a moist environment. It’s no surprise that boats, which spend most of their time in the water, are at risk of corroding. That’s why Team Winnebagoland Marine Center has created this guide to protecting your boat from corrosion. 

Types of Corrosion

 While normal corrosion is generally not a serious problem since it occurs over the course of years or decades, there are other types of corrosion that work much faster. Unchecked galvanic corrosion can cause serious damage in a matter of months, though it is more of an issue for those sailing in salt water. Electrolytic corrosion is even faster, occurring in days or even hours, and can happen anywhere there is a stray electrical current. Finally, while stainless steel is normally resistant to corrosion, it requires oxygen to create its protective coating. In situations where there is a lot of moisture and not much oxygen, stainless steel can experience crevice corrosion. Make sure you know which types of corrosion your vessel is vulnerable to, and how to protect against them.  

Clean the Green Wire

Your boat’s "green wire" is a safety component that protects you from getting shocked when the electrical system malfunctions. This wire, sometimes called the grounding wire or bonding wire, often passes through damp or leak-prone sections of the boat. For safety reasons, you should regularly clean it and apply a protectant to ward off moisture. Anyone unfamiliar with electrical work can also hire a professional to do it for them. 

Monitor the Fuel Shut-Off Valve

Your boat’s fuel shut-off valve prevents gas from getting into the bilge. If the shut-off valve rusts over, that will increase your risk of suffering fuel leaks, fire, and even explosions. Luckily, regularly inspecting and moving the valve lever can help you spot maintenance problems before they occur, and prevent buildup. 

Lubricate Throttle and Shift Cable Jackets

The throttle and shift cables on your boat will usually be covered with a plastic jacket in order to keep them safe. However, over time, tiny cracks can form and allow moisture to reach the metal cables. This can lead to corrosion, and eventually a snapped cable. Replace the plastic shields if you start to see cracks, and lubricate the ends of the cables at the start of each season. If you start to experience stiff shifting or throttle movement, give your cables a quick inspection. 

For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned boats, visit Team Winnebagoland Marine Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We proudly serve communities like Appleton, Wisconsin, and we hope to see you soon!