Hardware Rust on Hull

[Jonah]

Hi all,

I recently pulled my boat from the water, and while washing it, noticed a bit of rust-looking stains around the contact point of a few pieces of hardware. (See image.) Any tips on getting rid of this, or at least stopping it from spreading?

Thanks as always,

 

[Lt.Mike]

I use a light touch with a very soapy new SOS pad. Follow with a fine buffing compound and wax.
I only use a soap pad on the outside of the boat as left over metal particles from the pad if not rinsed off the deck will leave rust spots as well.
Outside it rinses off without a problem.
Mike.

 

[ric2352]

Starbrite Rust and Stain Remover works very well

 

[seasick]

Hi all,

I recently pulled my boat from the water, and while washing it, noticed a bit of rust-looking stains around the contact point of a few pieces of hardware. (See image.) Any tips on getting rid of this, or at least stopping it from spreading?

Thanks as always,

Although removing the rust will make it look better, you have an issue that should be addressed. Stainless steel when exposed to moisture but not a lot of air, will rust. That is what is happening to your hardware. The bleeding of rust tells you that water is getting into the bolt holes or behind the plate. The proper treatment is to remove the hardware, clean off the rust and deal with the water leak. Usually, using a sealant in the holes and under the plate will do just fine. If when you remove the bolts, you see that the fiberglass is wet in the holes, you might want to seal the glass edges with epoxy and then bed the hardware.
For the sealant, 4200 or 5200 will do just fine, 4200 if you plan on removing the hardware again. Urethane sealants like Boat Life will also work.

 

[Jonah]

As always, thanks very much!

 

[jigstrike]

I used a product called Barkeepers friend. Works well, and its about 3 bucks at home depot

 

[seasick]

I used a product called Barkeepers friend. Works well, and its about 3 bucks at home depot

I also use it. It is relatively non abrasive.

 

[Socalinsd]

I had the same issue and CLR cleaner was recommended, works awesome, rust stains gone.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Seasick gave the best advice. You can use any product that you like to remove the rust, but it will come right back unless you remove the parts, clean them, remove the rust stains from the fiberglass and inside the bolt holes with an acid, and then re-bed the parts.

If you countersink drill the tops of the bolt holes you will get a much better seal that will prevent water from leaking down inside the hole.

 

[Chianti's Revenge]

That is a great idea about countersinking the holes! i am having the same problem and am definitely going to try that!