The port side toe rail on our 1995 35.5 is showing some corrosion spots along the inner edge of the rail where it meets the deck. The starboard toe rail has some minor blemishes. The aluminum rails and deck are attached with steel bolts, but there is no corrosion around the bolts. Has anyone has a similar problem? Should it be covered by warranty? Any thoughts on how to isolate the source of the corrosion? Should I replace the rails or is there a less drastic remedy? Hunter has informed me that there are no toe rails in inventory for this model and year, but there are some available for the 37.5. Any thoughts on whether the 37.5 rails could be trimmed to fit?
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What type of corrosion??
Jack, What does the corrosion look like? Is it surface aluminum oxide pitting (white powdery residue) or does it look like it's coming up from between the deck and the toe rail? My '93 37.5 has some minor corrosion in the same location but nothing that I wouldn't consider normal for the use the boat had (and maintenance levels of the previous owner). The best way to keep aluminum good is to clean it thoroghly and often and use a protective polish to keep the elements at bay. Also, my boat lists slightly to port (full fuel, empty holding tanks) which allows water to pool along the toe rail. That may an area you want to look at too. Jim "Prospect"
Jack, What does the corrosion look like? Is it surface aluminum oxide pitting (white powdery residue) or does it look like it's coming up from between the deck and the toe rail? My '93 37.5 has some minor corrosion in the same location but nothing that I wouldn't consider normal for the use the boat had (and maintenance levels of the previous owner). The best way to keep aluminum good is to clean it thoroghly and often and use a protective polish to keep the elements at bay. Also, my boat lists slightly to port (full fuel, empty holding tanks) which allows water to pool along the toe rail. That may an area you want to look at too. Jim "Prospect"
Dark Pits Along Deck Joint
The corrossion is not the white powdery variety -- it is a dark, black pitting of the surfact of the toe rail in spots along the toe rail along the joint with the deck (inside). The spots are small but growing with the largest about 1/4 inch in diameter.
The corrossion is not the white powdery variety -- it is a dark, black pitting of the surfact of the toe rail in spots along the toe rail along the joint with the deck (inside). The spots are small but growing with the largest about 1/4 inch in diameter.
MORE TOE RAIL PROBLEMS
I have seen first hand several toe rails on different models with the corrosion problem. I have talked to several shiprights about this matter. The conclusion they come up with is that Hunter marine did not properly bed the toe rails and did not isloate the different metals properly, and the result is electrolysis, Aluminum cancer....not minor corrosion. Good luck in getting Hunter to stand behind that problem.... why do you think all the new toe rails are now rubber
I have seen first hand several toe rails on different models with the corrosion problem. I have talked to several shiprights about this matter. The conclusion they come up with is that Hunter marine did not properly bed the toe rails and did not isloate the different metals properly, and the result is electrolysis, Aluminum cancer....not minor corrosion. Good luck in getting Hunter to stand behind that problem.... why do you think all the new toe rails are now rubber
new toe rails
the new toe rails are not rubber, they're fiberglass. it's the new rubrails that are rubber. the reason they are rubber is because the decks are now built with an outboard seam, which allows a more cost-effective manufacturing process. would an inboard seam be better? you betcha, but it would add considerably to the costs of building a hull. however, a positive trade-off from the switch is that there are significantly fewer holes in the deck, which is the inevitable by-product of installing aluminum toe rails. they're handy to use, but sooner or later they will all leak. arguably, the new toe rails are more pleasing to the eye (unless, of course, you're a traditionalist who absolutely hates the new clingon-battle-cruiser look.)
the new toe rails are not rubber, they're fiberglass. it's the new rubrails that are rubber. the reason they are rubber is because the decks are now built with an outboard seam, which allows a more cost-effective manufacturing process. would an inboard seam be better? you betcha, but it would add considerably to the costs of building a hull. however, a positive trade-off from the switch is that there are significantly fewer holes in the deck, which is the inevitable by-product of installing aluminum toe rails. they're handy to use, but sooner or later they will all leak. arguably, the new toe rails are more pleasing to the eye (unless, of course, you're a traditionalist who absolutely hates the new clingon-battle-cruiser look.)
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