[Paddlewise] Rusting Stainless Steel (was Skeg VS. Rudder)

From: Mel Lammers <mslammers_at_earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 08:15:43 -0400 (EDT)
To reinforce what Ralph said below:
Stainless steel is a solution of chrome, steel, and nickel (general formula) and in the final matrix (yes the solution when cooled, precipitates the components), there are literal spaces in the junction of the metals (tiny though).  Boundry or crevice corrosion can occur at the boundry.  I have seen shampoo in a 20000 lb tank "rust" a hole through 316 stainless (one of the more corrosion resistant stainless steels).  What stainless does is give you some corrosion resistance such as overnight or other short term so you can clean things up.  Clean water with drying and light oil, wax, silicone or other polymer is the best.  Helps if the water is hot. :-)  It also helps if the water is not acid but slightly alkaline or buffered (like with bicarb dissolved).
YMMV (your mileage may vary)




Ralph Diaz Wrote:

Mark, stainless steel rusts badly in a KAYAKING marine environment. I 
have all sorts of stainless steel things I can show you with 
considerable rust and corrosion. My sheath knife, fittings for sailing, 
etc. Also aluminum unless of marine grade or heavily anondized will 
also pit or corrode. This ain't from no tome. 

ralph
=^..^=
--Mel--
Mel Lammers
E-Mail: mslammers_at_earthlink.net
Homepage: http://melskayakpage.homestead.com
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Received on Wed Apr 12 2000 - 05:16:00 PDT

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