Rust and other corrosion forms can compromise your boat's structural integrity and put you and your passengers in danger. Costs can rise even for preventative measures like corrosion removal and repair.
In this post, we will discuss 5 easy ways to prevent corrosion and extend the life of your boat.
What is Corrosion, Exactly?
Corrosion is the breakdown of a substance due to its interactions with its surroundings. It is a naturally occurring process that calls for three things: water, a metal surface, and an oxidizing agent (also called an electron acceptor). Corrosion is the process by which a reactive metal surface is transformed into an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide, which are much more stable compounds. Rust is a common type of corrosion.
There are many ways in which corrosion can damage the metal. Corrosion makes metal structures unstable and unsafe to use.
How to Prevent Corrosion
1. Metal Type
Using a metal resistant to corrosion, such as aluminum or stainless steel, is a straightforward method of avoiding this problem. These metals can be used to reduce the need for additional corrosion protection in certain situations.
2. Protective Coatings
Applying a paint coating is an inexpensive strategy for warding off rust. Paint coatings are a barrier between the corrosive solution and the metal substrate, preventing the transfer of electrochemical charge and thus protecting the metal from corrosion.
Another option is powder coating. A dry powder is spread across the smooth metal to accomplish this. The metal is then heated, fusing the powder into a continuous film. Acrylic, polyester, epoxy, nylon, and urethane powders are a few examples.
3. Environmental Measures
Metals corrode because their chemical makeup causes them to react with the air around them. You can mitigate these unwelcome responses by regulating the surrounding conditions. This can be as easy as limiting contact with water or as complicated as manipulating the concentrations of sulfur, chlorine, or oxygen in the air.
4. Maintenance Procedure
Ships can reduce their susceptibility to corrosion by performing proper maintenance. Following a maintenance schedule can detect problems early on and fix them before they worsen.
While this may add to your budget, many businesses save money by outsourcing maintenance. If you're interested in this service but don't know where to find it, contact Rogan Internation today, and we'll be happy to help you!
5. Protect Electrical Circuits
It is important to keep the ship's electrical systems dry to limit the effects of corrosion. This can be achieved by protecting cable connections with waterproof insulation.
Additionally, electrical bonding is strongly recommended. Wires or bonding strips connect all metals in the water, bringing them to the same potential. Corrosion due to stray currents is thus avoided.
Conclusion
Consider implementing the 5 strategies outlined above to save money on ship repairs, which corrosion can significantly increase. However, if you are currently located in the Gulf Coast area, and your boat is corroded, we would be happy to offer our repair services to get your boat back in top shape.
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