Corrosion & Teak Deck

Following a recent survey a good illustration of the wider effects of corrosion was identified. The vessel in question had aluminium tracks bolted to the teak deck for genoa sheet cars. Over the years the stainless steel securing bolts have reacted with the surrounding aluminium tract and resulted in corrosion driven by salt water, heat and oxygen and the underlying teak deck had been eaten away as a consequence. This is a very good illustration why it is essential to monitor stainless steel to aluminium contact and to understand the effect this can have on surrounding materials such as teak decking.

In this particular case, not only is the aluminium track requiring replacement, but also the underlying teak. Both the water integrity and structural integrity of this deck fitting have been compromised.