Question

[krazykatz911]

Hi all, In the bottom of my stingray (fiberglass boat). I have a storage compartment that we keep cover poles, stern light, docking poles, mirror for tubing, paddles, toe rope etc. had boat in storage for 2 years, just got it out on the lake the other day. When opening the storage in floor, Notice carpet in there was dark and with some substance on it, couldn’t make out the smell but the poles were all corroded and the mirror clamp was severely corroded. Like acid? My stern light pole had holes ate through it. The mirro clamp is metal but maybe pot metal. Not steel I don’t think. I know for sure we didn’t spill anything in there. The only thing I can think of is we left things wet in there, maybe reaction between all the metals and moisture? Any ideas!

 

[tpenfield]

The 'acid' is called moisture/water . . . Aluminum does not like to sit in it. The dark substance is probably mold. Best not to leave things in an enclosed compartment that is at the bottom of the boat when storing the boat for long periods of time.

 

[Scott Danforth]

wet mold is acidic.

 

[BRICH1260]

I always open up my floor storage bins when I am storing the boat for long periods just for that reason. You probably need to pull everything out and clean off, dry off or throw away everything in there. Let the compartment dry out well before putting the things back in there.

 

[QBhoy]

Yeah...horrendously corrosive in there if stuff left for even a few weeks. It’s literally perfect conditions for corrosion and mould.

 

[QBhoy]

Great as a cooler too though , haha.

 

[SkiGuy1980]

The guys above are probably correct about the moisture - putting away wet invites problems. I'd also suggest you check the battery area just to be safe. I once had a small crack in one and ended up with quite a mess in the bilge.