BoatBanter.com - Detecting corrosion

"Ron Fiengold" wrote:
How can I spot corrosion/electrolysis inside of my mast? It's extruded
aluminum.

It's this or Roger's fuel system.

First, why would you have electrolysis inside your mast? Got bare
wires running up & down in there?

There is a likelihood of electrolysis around fittings & fasteners,
which can be minimized by using the right kind and installing them
with a shield. But it's only a matter of time since galvanic action
cannot be totally stopped.

So how do you know when your mast has been weakened enough that there
is risk of it buckling from corrosion? Assuming that's the question
you meant to ask.... one way is an ultrasound scan. Another is to to
bend it to 20~50% of yield (the point where it would buckle if brand
new) and look for hard spots. In fact, it would be a good idea to do
this while the mast is still in very good shape, so you'll have a good
starting reference point for later tests. Lot of work though.

Hope this helps.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King