Copper oxidation in bilge

[vidalia]

While inspecting my keel bolts, I noticed that there was a small amount of what seems to be blue-green copper oxidation in the bilge especially around the backing plate under nuts. I haven't noticed any other problems. What might this be from? Is it important?

 

[dlochner]

Is your boat bonded? That is are all the underwater metals, the mast, and chain plates connected with a green wire?

Is the oxidation you observe near one of the connections between the bonding system and the keel bolt?

Do you have a good picture of the corrosion?

 

[RoyS]

Could be bronze keel bolts?

 

[ggrizzard]

Unless a PO changed them, the keel bolts, nuts and washers are stainless.

 

[vidalia]

There is a lightning ground from the mast to the foremost keel bolt, which does not seem to show any green discoloration. I believe the bolts are all stainless steel. They seem to be the original parts. I would love to send a picture, but my phone does not want to load them to my computer. The only thing I can think of is that a bit of electrical wire got into the bilge, although I do not recall seeing any in there. After a prolonged internet search and asking on this forum, I am going to assume that is what happened. Sometimes the simple stuff is the most vexing. Thanks to everyone who looked at this and to all who replied.

 

[capta]

Many boats (I don't know about Hunter) use copper sheeting (strap) as a bonding band under the engine and through the boat for the individual grounding wires to attach to. Perhaps yours is laying in bilge water.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

"I would love to send a picture, but my phone does not want to load them to my computer."
No different idea about your oxydation problem but a quick suggestion re your phone. Assuming it's a smart phone, take the picture and when you have access to WiFi email it to yourself. Open the email from your computer and your picture will be there.