Rust is the bane of any boat owner. In marine environments, corrosion damage is a common and inconvenient reality of the sailing lifestyle, but it can be tackled. From chemical to electrolytic, crevice to galvanic - there are many different types of marine corrosion, but they all share one thing in common, and that's the propensity to cause rust, unsightly stains and even costly damage to your boat.
Salt water is key in the expedience of rust formation as electrons are able to move far more easily than in freshwater. Over time and given the adequate exposure to the right conditions, those familiar reddish-brown characteristics of rust will become apparent. However, it's not all bad news. Whether you're looking to prevent rust on your new boat or you're trying to remove it on your existing vessel, Mylor Chandlery give you our smartest ways to eliminate boat rust.
Wash Your Boat After Use
If you want to slow down the rusting process, always wash your boat surfaces after use with water and a gentle, diluted and preferably eco-friendly detergent. By cleaning away salt water and salt deposits on the hull, deck and metal railings, you'll help to prevent certain types of corrosion from forming.
This tannic acid product will give you incredible rust protection. It works by converting loose rust to powder which can then be washed off, leaving a stable and inert surface. Not only is it environmentally safe, it will also prevent new rust from forming and protect your steel surfaces.
If you're looking to remove light rusting, general stains and yellowing on your GRP or painted surfaces, this high strength penetrating gel is a must-have for moderate or less severe corrosion treatment.
Take Cover
General exposure to sea spray and harsh coastal conditions can allow rust to hook into your boat surfaces. By throwing a boat cover or tarpaulin over your vessel, you'll not only help to prevent rust, you'll protect against UV damage as well as general discolouration.
Loctite Copper Antiseize Stick For Screws, Nuts & Bolts
This easy application copper-based AntiSeize stick can be applied to screws, nuts and bolts to protect against rust and seizing. Simply apply it to components before fastening and then tighten up as usual.
This rotating natural rubber disk can be attached to an electric drill, allowing you to take off whatever coating you wish to remove - whether it be rust, paint, tar, epoxy or gelcoat. Once in motion it will hammer the surface hundreds of times a second, rendering incredibly effective results that allow you to easily apply your preferred coating or protective finish.
Inspect Your Boat Frequently
Regular inspections of your boat will help you to identify rust formation before it becomes a serious problem. Make sure you examine vulnerable metal surfaces, crevices and joins as well as the larger expanses of your boat and remove rust accordingly. By keeping on top of basic maintenance you will prevent costly or laborious rust removal tasks down the line.
Davis FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover
Suitable for use on any fibreglass surfaces, FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover makes oil, rust, exhaust, waterline and transom stains disappear. This special non-abrasive and safe to use gel formula works by chemically removing stains with zero rubbing required.
