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Galvanizing mast step.

Started by S/V AMITY, November 25, 2019, 09:39:29 PM

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S/V AMITY

The steel main step looks to be in good shape... Some cosmetic surface rust but nothing of concern.  Am considering sending it out for galvanizing. From my reading the aluminum foot of the mast should have minimal electrolysis problems with zinc.  Any thoughts pro or con?

Dale Tanski

Having your steel mast base dipped in molten zinc (galvanizing) should not cause a electrolysis problem with you aluminum mast.  Zinc is lower on the Periodic Table of noble elements than aluminum, so it will corrode before the aluminum mast does. That being said, you could just paint the mast step and mechanically fasten (connection must conduct electricity) it to a sacrificial zinc anode.

Dale
"Maruska"
Pearson 365 Cutter Ketch
1976 Hull #40
Buffalo, N.Y.

S/V AMITY

Had thought about paint but one scratch or chipped area in the paint will expose steel and rust starts again.  Galvanizing will put the problem to bed permanently.