Corrosion

[rick&sue]

Having recently purchased an older R25, I have been inspecting the systems and updating/replacing as needed. I found a number of screw heads that hold the swim platform and exhaust outlet to the hull to be completely corroded away or reduced in diameter so much a twist of a driver would break off the heads. A light tap with a hammer and punch sent the rest of the screw into the cockpit/bilge. The worst ones are below the waterline – which could potentially result in sinking if the right (or wrong!) set of conditions existed. The thick bottom paint further hid the potential problems. I have replaced the screws and added to my annual check list to put a driver to each fastener that is on the exterior of the boat and check for tightness. If you have an older boat – you might want to check your exterior fasteners on an annual basis also.

Rick

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thanks for the post Rick, good idea on a frequent inspection. I believe there may be some prior posts on this subject that Barry on Laxey posted a year or so ago. It seems Barry, if it was he, came up with a method to bond the swim platform hardware. Barry was that you? If so lease share your thoughts.

Jim

 

[rick&sue]

Jim,
I did dig into the older posts and found one by Andrew Curtis - he recommended bonding the supports to ground. Another suggested adding anodes to each support and adding grounding straps. I installed the ground wires tonight, and will order anodes for the supports. Thanks for the info!!
Rick

 

[Captain Steve]

Please post the specs on the anodes and source
Thanks

 

[rick&sue]

The swim platform support tubes are 22MM or 7/8 diameter. I wanted Martyr limited clearance collar anodes, but I did not find them in aluminum (West Marine), so I ordered typical tapered - shaft type anodes. They are 7/8 ID X 2-1/8 OD X 2-1/8 long. Most all of the marine outlets carry them.
Rick

 

[Barry Cohen]

Did you try boatzincs.com?

 

[Captain Steve]

Thanks, Rick. I am originally from Eau Claire WI.... My folks still live there. Keep looking at towing back there loading up with cheese at Nelson and putting in to the Mississippi and heading south.

 

[rick&sue]

Steve,
Come on up - we are 15 minutes from the Mississippi, we'll follow you down the river! (we are hauling a load of cheese curds to my daughter in Colorado tomorrow!) :lol:

Rick