Rusting Ports

[anthem]

I have a 2002 38 Open. All the frames on the port holes are rusting causing rust stains to run down the hull. I cleaned the stains when I hauled last fall, but they are returning. Anyone else experiencing the same issue? Anyone have a fix to the problem?

[Uhehner]

Remember it's called stainless, not stainPROOF. I think everyone has the same problem. I clean them with stainless polish and then a coat of wax and repeat every time they look tarnished. We are waiting for a better solution. Capt. George

[bluebikemike]

I replaced mine ('01 3500 Open) several years ago from G.G. Schmitt & Sons, (888) 252-5466.

Good luck.

[anthem]

I know Capt George...I have had lots of boat with stainless frames, but none have rusted like these have. Had to be a bad run. Replacing them could be some big $$$.

[Uhehner]

A strong magnet is the best test for determining if the stainless will rust. The stronger the magnetic pull the more iron and the more rust prone. 316 stainless screws from West Marine have no magnetic attraction and never leave rust stains. Home Depot stainless screws have a weak magnetic pull and do stain. Cheap stainless is also more prone to crevice corrosion. China stainless is usually guaranteed to rust. Buy carefully. Capt George

[trit21]

bluebikemike - 5/13/2014 1:51 PM

I replaced mine ('01 3500 Open) several years ago from G.G. Schmitt & Sons, (888) 252-5466.

Good luck.

Were these the original manufacturer of the port lights ? Or did you just use them due to quality? Are they 316 SS and therefore don't rust? Direct replacement or did you need to modify existing hole for port light? I have a 2000 3500 Open so same boat. Good information about G. G.

Tom

[bluebikemike]

They are the OEM. My dealings were with the owner, and they were not that expensive.

[Chris Burkard]

Stainless Steel will rust if it manufactured poorly, or even good stainless will rust if you scratch it. If you have ever acid washed it to remove the rust, the rust will simply return faster! The reason that stainless steel does not corrode is the high nickel content of the surface of the metal. If that nickel is scratched through to areas that have less nickel content, it will rust. Cleaning and coating with wax, will slow the process, but eventually when the wax wears off, the process will begin again.

If you really want to fix the problem, replace them. You could nickel plate or chrome plate them, but at that point, you may as well replace them.

Good Luck!

[sawdustdad]

Mine are NOT rusting.