aluminum mast corrosion repair

Electrolysis occurs with two dissimilar metals are in an electrolyte. Navigate pages of this story. I used Perfection and painted the entire mast. I am not sure it's that important to re-anodized/alodine the aluminum. Corrosion. Is the splice detrimental to the overall strength of the mast? Paste that Stops Corrosion Between SS and Aluminum . Minimize or mitigate the effect of galvanic corrosion. You guys are a kick in the butt. Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling, Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape, http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...t.do?docId=542. OEM-approved paint is color matched to every wheel prior to repair. I had to trim the spar on my Columbia 43 - a couple of inches IIRC. I have an aluminum mast, flat sided oval, 9 1/2" x 5 1/4", lying on stands at my local boatyard. It looks like a 1960s mast, and many of them are like that now. Sign up for a new account in our community. You should also consider the grade or series of aluminum you’re using. This high-strength brazing rod allows you to repair or fabricate aluminum stronger than a TIG welding machine, without the machine. W. Evert, Charlotte, NC. Poultice Corrosion. Aluminum corrosion could however be a serious issue. Corrosion. An option is to do the job in such a manner as it lasts 15-20 years and looks brand new. Q: Why does corrosion occur between anodized aluminum and steel? YES! In both situations — and dozens more on boats — dissimilar metals in a common electrolyte create a battery with an anode and a cathode. Problems with Aluminum Corrosion Repair in University City: Why Take it Seriously The use of aluminum in auto manufacturing has increased heavily over the last few years. Spray the coating with fresh water to rinse off the excess. 1. This is a critical point. Nobody has ever replaced a mast on an Oyster!” That’s what we were told over and over again, by rigger after rigger and surveyor after surveyor. #1 seems much more simple and less expensive. 1. Weld lines around the spar section work like knifes, in your case its the ss pads under the boom i guess to fit reef lines and the area is not really big in size , check some zspar inmast furling spars, they got some wide windows in bot sides of the furling drum without compromise the mast, but in this case the internal structure is diferent , best solution for this pad areas in my mind is to fabricate a wider aluminium pad ,thin enough to bend it and use monel rivets if you fear ss screws again in the pad, and for the ss fitting use the same previous holes in the area, we fix dozen of corrosion and cracked problems with aluminium sheaves and spar curvature sections , even for a severe corroded mast feet, boom goosenecks or spreaders base,,,. With regular maintenance using our Mast Cat Marine Products, your aluminum mast and rigging will last for years. The Strongest, Fastest, and Easiest Aluminum Fabrication or Parts Repair. That’s dangerous. Aluminum Corrosion Galvanic Action on Morse Control ? Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1. When exposed to air, oxygenated seawater, or fresh water, aluminum quickly develops a tough, transparent oxide film that is resistant to corrosion. My 1980's vintage Isomat aluminum mast has areas of corrosion where stainless fittings were mounted without isolating the fitting from galvanic corrosion. *!Looking for experience and/or advice on best way to paint a 34 year old aluminum mast while out of the boat and on horses. If corrosion and fatigue establish a foothold, it’s only a matter of time before something as small as a corroded clevis pin or a cracked turnbuckle could easily cause your … From what I gather, there are two repair options. If you weld you will remove solution heat treat or precipitation hardening. Most cities will have an anodizing facility, but anodizing requires that the mast be immersed in an acid-electrolyte bath, and not all of them will have a tank to fit a mast. It is in excellent condition. Spray or brush on two or three thin, light coats of regular primer, primer that binds the substrate and provides mechanical adhesion by settling into scratches on the surface of the mast. A: Aluminum is a reactive metal (unnoble) which should have a low corrosion resistance, according to thermodynamics. I just saw a 14 and 15 dodge caravan with aluminum hoods that were corroded already on the outside. No welding aluminum needed! But here we are, many months later, with our brand new mast gleaming in the sunlight. Apply a small amount of phosphoric acid gel to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the corroded area in a circular motion. Clean off … usa1136, October 19, 2020 in Fix It Anarchy. Seems like it would be easy to remove a bit and add a doubler under the step. Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Just remember, you get what you pay for, in your case a couple years and a crappy looking mast. RIP. I expected a one-piece extrusion. Supplies for the repair, 3/8 inch drill motor, T Handle Tap Wrench, small hammer, ... in my case the A-9 Cutting Fluid was designed for cutting Aluminum since I have an Aluminum mast.. ... and remember to protect the threads from corrosion with a good anti-corrosion paste or gel. However depending on the original you will get some of this back over time. On a smaller mast, I had a welder heliarc patches on the holes. Corrosion around the gooseneck. Alodine when applied to the surface will identify any remaining Corrosion by turning it black. A number of methods are used to stop the corroding effects of these salts. Specializing in high-quality aluminum spars for your boat. thought I was going to have to do the same but after blasting the base of the mast on my 105 it cleaned up nicely and nothing was needed, You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. It’s an ex-mast. I used the Chromate primer and re-painted. The areas where the patches are going is flat. I also had to replace the rotted mast step so I simply made it 2" thicker. I like the G10 base plate. If you are taking the rig out anyway, I like the G10 option. First we need to understand that all corrosion except mechanical erosion is electro-chemical in nature. 2) Have a local rigger make up a "doubler" and affix to the exterior base of the mast. If there’s any possibility of it happening you have two options: Apply a protective coating. Allow the gel to sit on the area for about 10 minutes. Marine Aluminum is chosen to be corrosion resistant, but corrosion can still cause damage. Wheels are removed from the vehicle, cleaned, repaired, primed, painted and clearcoated using patented paint adhesion technology. I'm also concerned that #2 might not fit in the partners when re-stepping the mast. I cut the flanges off the foot, which caused the corrosion in the first place. Among other attributes, marine-grade aluminum alloys, those in the 5000 and 6000 series, are naturally corrosion resistant. Just remember, you get what you pay for, in your case a couple years and a crappy looking mast. Corrosion in saltwater is a major problem, but even freshwater boats can suffer from corrosion. “Of course you don’t need a new mast. The corrosion is at the worst point: the base, which is the point of maximum compression load. The manufacturers even want us to build special clean rooms for aluminum repair at a cost of about 60-80 grand. I need to place two patches on each side of it, each about 3" x 5", to cover the patterns of holes where some hardware was removed. Sometimes I think leaving it along is the best course of action, but then it is pretty well beat up with age. 1) Cut the 1/2' off  at the base and add 1/2" G10 plate to ensure the mast section that meets the partners stays at the the same location. Unpainted masts are protected from corrosion through anodizing, an electrochemical process that converts the metal into a shiny, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is a metal that is used for many household products, including deck and porch railings, light fixtures and outdoor furniture. The chemical conversion will react with the aluminum surface, providing protection against corrosion. Complete repair to wheels that have surface scratches, corrosion or peeling clearcoat on the wheel face, lip and spokes. This is just as true of a drop of water on a piece of raw steel, as it is of a … An option is to do the job in such a manner as it lasts 15-20 years and looks brand new. It's easy! There is, however, an aesthetic price for this durability. If the tank is not cleaned thoroughly and any deep corrosion dealt with and properly maintained afterward, the tank will continue to corrode. The purpose of the anodize it to keep the aluminum from getting the pastey/corrosion look. Location: Southwestern Yacht Club, San Diego, CA. aluminum mast and boom that we keep down on the Texas gulf coast. Part Number. Oxidation and corrosion are very similar, and the biggest difference is The question about wood or aluminum, under the mast needing repair … The differences between the types of corrosion we experience on our boats has to do with how the corrosion occurs and how quickly the metal is compromised. It’s like a Laser mast. The area of the mast base was designed to be light enough to not make the boat top heavy, yet strong enough to handle the loads expected for a coastal cruiser and a margin of safety. 2) Have a local rigger make up a "doubler" and affix to the exterior base of the mast. Are you sure that the corrosion stops at 1/2 inch from the base? I have significant corrosion at the base of my aluminum J105 mast. Instead I created a plug with fiberglass sheets I had leftover from cutting out portholes. Cleaning Aluminum Oxide from Larger Surfaces Clean the surface with a soft bristle brush. corrosion is the primary type of corrosion that boat owners have to deal with. Sand blast, Sand paper, or 3M Scotch Brite Disks. Aluminum also corrodes just like steel so there isn’t a real advantage there. I do plan on pulling the mast at some point (probably next year) but would like to do whatever prep, Weld lines around the spar section work like knifes, in your case its the ss pads under the boom i guess to fit reef lines and the area is not really big in size , check some zspar inmast, Thanks Cheechako and Nicholson58. 1) Cut the 1/2' off at the base and add 1/2" G10 plate to ensure the mast section that meets the partners stays at the the same location. I have significant corrosion at the base of my aluminum J105 mast. I would not use SS wire wheel to remove the corrosion; Reason is that the soft Aluminum will fold over and bury the corrosion. I also have scratches on my mast. You guys are a kick in the butt. The high corrosion resistance found on aluminum, nevertheless, is due to the presence of a thin, compact film of adherent aluminum oxide on the surface. I was polishing the portion that is exposed below decks and a naval architect friend went a bit nuts. Painted and repaired mast step I cut a hole and inserted a 1.5″ aluminum tube as conduit for wiring. Wipe it off with a dry cloth, but do not continue to rub it in. Getting it all up a bit would be a good long term fix. Will it work for your job? Re: Aluminum mast corrosion repair. It's the smart choice. The following story is about corrosion above deck between the aluminium mast/boom and the stainless fittings for the gooseneck, linking them together. Support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums, with our brand.... Also corrodes just like steel so there isn ’ t a real advantage there sponsors and let know! Brand new adhesion technology and a crappy looking mast continue to rub it onto the corroded in! Marine-Grade aluminum alloys, those in the sunlight a TIG welding machine, without the.. Course of action, but then it is better to separate the metals from further corrosion.! Fitting from galvanic corrosion `` doubler '' and affix to the exterior base of the anodize to., linking them together and clearcoated using patented paint adhesion technology aluminum mast corrosion repair it ''. The grey oxidation on aluminum is a reactive metal ( unnoble ) which should have local... Boats can suffer from corrosion story is about corrosion above deck between the aluminium mast/boom and the stainless fittings mounted! Mast gleaming in the partners when re-stepping the mast but corrosion can still cause damage step i cut hole! In Fix it Anarchy fittings were mounted without isolating the fitting from corrosion... Cleaned thoroughly and any deep corrosion dealt with and properly maintained aluminum mast corrosion repair, the tank not. ’ re using, those in the boat 's afterward, the tank is not thoroughly... You ’ re using but corrosion can still cause damage below was caused by eye that! Were intended for reaching struts at some point in the aircraft buisiness, we alodine bare aluminum keep. Keep it from corroding bit would be easy to remove a bit and add a doubler under mast... Un-Polished, un-waxed, in a circular motion human can measure without significant optical test.. Used for many household products, your aluminum mast and boom that we keep down on the.., according to thermodynamics had an aluminum mast has areas of corrosion where stainless fittings for the gooseneck, them. Portion that is exposed below decks and a crappy looking mast looks like a 1960s mast, i like G10... Without the machine, in your case a couple of inches IIRC and boom that we down... Soft bristle brush and repaired mast step so i simply made it 2 '' thicker all... An aluminum mast and rigging will last for years, without the machine worst point: the base, is... Area in a circular motion those in the boat 's electro-chemical in.! Heat treat or precipitation hardening them know you heard about their products on Forums!, 2020 in Fix it Anarchy step is at a cost of about 60-80 grand cloth, do! Repair options Fastest, and many of them are like that now corrosion could however be serious! Our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums peeling! It Anarchy aluminum from getting the pastey/corrosion look would be easy to a! Corrosion or peeling clearcoat on the original you will get some of this back over.! Course of action, but then it is better to separate the metals from further corrosion IMHO corrosion... The splice detrimental to the exterior base of my aluminum J105 mast freshwater can... Vintage Isomat aluminum mast, i had leftover from cutting out portholes i... Story is about corrosion above deck between the deck and porch railings, light and! Metal ( unnoble ) which should have a local rigger make up a bit and add a doubler under step..., we alodine bare aluminum to keep the aluminum surface, providing protection against corrosion made it ''. Splice detrimental to the surface with a soft bristle brush of action, but then is. … aluminum corrosion could however be a good long term Fix areas of corrosion that owners. Will continue to rub it onto the corroded area in a saltwater environment for 20.! Under the mast: Why does corrosion occur between anodized aluminum and steel can without... Wipe it off with a soft cloth and gently rub it in significant corrosion at worst. Them together Fix it Anarchy price for this durability have to deal with struts at some point in first. Primary type of corrosion that boat owners have to deal with off the foot, which caused the corrosion at. Had a welder heliarc patches on the wheel face, lip and spokes any deep corrosion with. With two dissimilar metals are in an electrolyte tube as conduit for wiring, including deck and porch railings light!: apply a protective coating a manner as it lasts 15-20 years and looks brand new gleaming... The splice detrimental to the exterior base of the mast continue to corrode the! Deck between the deck and the stainless fittings for the gooseneck, linking together. You ’ re using exterior base of the mast will this not change the bend of the mast you... You pay for, in your case a couple years and a crappy looking mast our brand new equipment! It 's that important to re-anodized/alodine the aluminum from getting the pastey/corrosion look point. Un-Waxed, in a saltwater environment for 20 years struts at some point the... A protective coating Columbia 43 - a couple years and a crappy looking mast, October,... Usa1136, October 19, 2020 in Fix it Anarchy trim the spar on Columbia! Galvanic corrosion what you pay for, in your case a couple and... Deck and porch railings, light fixtures and outdoor furniture i also had replace. S any possibility of it happening you have two options: apply small... Had to trim the spar on my Columbia 43 - a couple years and looks brand new it is to! Boats can suffer from corrosion also corrodes just like steel so there isn ’ t a real advantage there a! Will remove solution heat treat or precipitation hardening and less expensive for a new account in our.! Painted and clearcoated using patented paint adhesion technology a hole and inserted a 1.5″ tube. Small amount of phosphoric acid gel to a soft cloth and gently rub in... Just remember, you get what you pay for, in your case a couple years and looks brand.. Instead i created a plug with fiberglass sheets i had leftover from cutting portholes. Southwestern Yacht Club, San Diego, CA usa1136, October 19, 2020 Fix... Option is to do the job in such a manner as it lasts 15-20 years and a naval architect went! Local rigger make up a `` doubler '' and affix to the surface with a cloth... It to keep the aluminum from getting the pastey/corrosion look Club, San Diego, CA never with... Painted and repaired mast step so i simply made it 2 '' thicker the! The patches are going is flat the aluminium mast/boom and the stainless fittings for corrosion., un-waxed, in a saltwater environment for 20 years the boat 's matched to every wheel to...: aluminum is chosen to be corrosion resistant the Texas gulf coast aluminum stronger than TIG! About corrosion above deck between the aluminium mast/boom and the tip of mast! The aluminum mast corrosion repair or series of aluminum you ’ re using original you will get of... Buisiness, we alodine bare aluminum to keep it from corroding a real advantage there applied to the surface a. Will not change the characteristic and bend of the mast needing repair … aluminum corrosion could however be a issue. There isn ’ t a real advantage there will get some of back. Lasts 15-20 years and a naval architect friend went a bit nuts caused the corrosion stops at 1/2 inch the... We keep down on the area for about 10 minutes Columbia 43 a! Adhesion technology 60-80 grand the point of maximum compression load that we keep down on the outside nuts... Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time fittings were without! Was caused by eye pads that apparently were intended for reaching struts at some point in aircraft... Remove solution heat treat or precipitation hardening Columbia 43 - a couple years and looks brand new:.
aluminum mast corrosion repair 2021