Electrolysis

[John C]

Any one had trouble with electroysis ? Particularly the stern toerails where water floods over when heeled and the salon table support pipe which has fused itself to the cabin sole and bubbles somewhat.Thanks John

 

[Geoff McLaughlin]

Maybe not electrolysis

On my 34, I have a new toerail, and an original. The old one has corrosion evident in the crotch between the aluminum and the fiberglass where the water collects. While it could be electrolysis, it may be simple corrosion - as even hard anodized aluminum in a preferred seawater alloy will corrode over time - so, depending on the year of your boat, maybe it's just simple corrosion (all of which is ultimately electrochemical anyway), but not necessarily tied to a larger electrolysis issue. Just a thought.

 

[Dave C.]

Not Electrolysis

The fusion of the table support to the floor socket is caused by dissimilar metals.I had to replace mine because of this.After much searching I was able to find exact replacements at an RV supply store.

 

[Dave C.]

Trying Again

I was interrupted be the necessity to fix a broken PVC pipe at the marina I manage. Anyway...I've also seen the same pedestal and base in J.C. Whitney catalogs. I replaced both the pedestal and the floor base for under $20.The originals were fused together so badly that NOTHING would get them apart, heating, freezing, beating the heck out of them with a hammer.

 

[Craig]

Table Support and Base

Before we bought our '87 34ft it was located in annapolis. The table support was chrome but kindof rusted and not looking very nice. I brought it home along with the base and sanded both for quite some time to remove the corrosion. I bought some automotive touchup paint in a small spray can and the primer that goes with it. This paint is of good quality and sprays a nice even coat. If your hold it too close it will run. I applied a couple of coats of primer and three or four coats of dark brown to the post and base and it looks great. No runs and has a great shine. Total cost about 7 bucks. By the way, I removed the screws on the base, took my hole saw and enlarged the hole thru the floor so I can better get my hand down there. This is one of those areas in the bottom that can trap water. Sometimes when I leave the boat I will lift up the table, remove the post and base to the side and let air get down there.