On Thursday, May 15, 2014 11:45:06 AM UTC-4, Wayne. B wrote:
On Thu, 15 May 2014 05:00:06 -0700 (PDT), True North

wrote:



My new boat started to develop blisters under the gunnel paint where the cover snaps are attached.

After the 2nd season of use, I brought this to the attention of the dealer and Legend boats up in Ontario.

This was last October and the manufacturer still hasn't come up with a plan to remedy the problem.

I did the usual Google research and sent the links to the service manager at my dealer.



Guy at Legend said he didn't want to talk directly with me and problem should be handled through dealer.

They also wanted me to tow the boat back to the dealer ( 180 miles round trip ) so techs could check for stray current, which I did while down anyway for winter servicing. No stray current from my motor.

They also suggested that it could be a stray current problem at the docks I frequent or stray current at local, marinas.

I explained that most of the small boat launches I use have no electrical services and anyway, I'm only there long enough to get my trailer and retrieve the boat.

Anyway I just contacted the General Manager of the dealership (member of family who owns the business) who acted as my salesman two years ago when I showed up while the sales staff were away at a boat show.

He says he will look into problem.



From what I read, we have to remove the snaps that screw directly into the painted aluminum gunnel, sand, prime and paint affected areas.

Then we have to find a suitable gasket or washer to isolate the snap and the aluminum and even coat the shafts of the attaching screw with liquid electrical tape or silicone to isolate them as possible.



My question is, can those self tapping screws be backed out of the aluminum and then be re-installed?

I broke two bits trying with a hand screwdriver last fall, so I google up higher rated impact type bits like the Makita Gold

That should hold up in my corded drill/driver.

Anyone ever attempt this.



===



This is a big problem with aluminum sailboat masts and booms where

stainless steel screws and machine screws are used to attach fittings.

I once asked a professional rigger what he recommended and he said

that he always beds the hardware and threads with silicone sealant

before fastening. The silicone creates a thin insulating barrier

between the two metals and prevents corrosion. I've removd hardware

installed that way more than 5 years ago with no problems.




I'm doubtful that anything actually prevents the two metals from connecting.. I suggest you try a simple ohm meter test to prove that to yourself. Rather the silicon is reducing the moisture reaching the joint. If you can keep the water out you will greatly reduce the corrosion. Personally I use teflon thread sealer on everything threaded. It too will help keep the water out as well as lubricate the threads. Stainless is the best hardware since aluminum fasteners would generally be too weak.