spots on bimini poles and tower

[superpop]

I am noticing that on my Bimini poles there is a spotting that is occurring on both the poles and the fittings. they are just little white spots but they are all over it. I am seeing the same thing on some of my tower parts, like the clear coat has been compromised or something. Anything I can do to get rid of the spots and protect the finish. The boat is stored outside in a fully enclosed tent structure and stays pretty dry so I am stumped on this one. Any ideas?

 

[Philster]

Re: spots on bimini poles and tower

Air has moisture. Corrosion is common from the moisture in the air.

Are there any other metals in contact with the pole? If so, one will sacrifice itself to the other metal. If you connect two types of metal, one goes 'bye bye' very fast. In this case, your pole might be the less noble metal, and might be sacrificing itself.

All I would do is make sure there is no other metal in contact with it, and I would probably use a corrosion inhibitor (basically a fine grease sold in spray cans). Or... wax it.

Corrosion inhibitor: search on user "Bond-O" Any grease is better than no grease at all.

You should use grease on as much exposed metal as you can.

 

[dbismyname]

Re: spots on bimini poles and tower

Tell the girls to quit using the aerosol spray sunscreen, it will cause the metal to pit when it lands on it and does not get wiped off.

 

[Thad]

Re: spots on bimini poles and tower

Pick up a bottle of "Mothers metal polish" at the department store. This stuff works great. If the metal is being pitted this will not cure it, but if it just "stained" it will shine it up really well. I use it on my boat. The only thing to be sure and take care of is any that gets into the "space" between the fixture and the gel coat. Use a soft toothbrush and clean it out of there. It will pool and discolor around the bases. (It will come off if you notice some later)

As for the possible cause, without being there or knowing how and what you use to clean your boat, I do not wish to venture an opinion.