Corrosion

Inspections for corrosion on boats can be at first glance a bit confusing. Most boaters have heard the term “electrolysis” blamed for everything from zinc depletion to underwater metal corrosion. Although the term “electrolysis” is not the proper terminology for the corrosion on boats but it seems to have stuck. The problem with lumping all things corroded, as “electrolysis” is that it doesn’t address and identify what the real problem is and better yet, repair it. So, how do we identify what kind of corrosion we are looking at?

Without a doubt the most misunderstood problem in boating is corrosion. To hear most folks talk about it you’d think its black magic. It’s easy to understand why there is so much confusion considering there are so many types of corrosion. As a result of this confusion, the term ” electrolysis” is heard and becomes the umbrella that is over all corrosion – not a good thing if you are trying to figure out what’s really going on. Lets take a look at the most common types of corrosion.

Stray Current : When the underwater metal fittings in
(What it looks Like)

Crevice Corrosion:
(What it looks Like)

Galvanic Corrosion:
(What it looks Like)