Painting stainless steel rudder posts/holders?

[Kohi]

Hi,

I know we are not meant to paint stainless steel, as it needs to breath to create the protective oxide coating, however, my 26M stays permanently in the water and the corrosion seemed to be slower when it was painted.

I purchased the boat second hand and all the stainless steel had originally been painted but I cleaned it off and now it seems to corrode quicker!

Any advice and/or experience appreciated in terms of painting the stainless steel rudder brackets, holders and posts?

Many thanks,
Kohi.

[jimmy alonso]

My boat (2004) is on the trailer mostly and I would wax the posts once or twice a year; but as you can see below they rusted on the inside where the arms hook up. Don't know if painting will help I think I rather go with stainless steel wax/protecting compound.

[seahouse]

My boat (2004) is on the trailer mostly and I would wax the posts once or twice a year; but as you can see below they rusted on the inside where the arms hook up. Don't know if painting will help I think I rather go with stainless steel wax/protecting compound.

That corrosion is likely from salt water brought to that point by the rudder up haul / downhaul lines. And maybe by splashing into the hole in the deck through which the lines pass. Some water could be getting into that area when the transom is low in the water as well (such as beaching bow-in).

The pop bottle part of the mod in the following link is easy to do and will reduce that, (by preventing the water from running down the top outside of the pivot tube) but not totally prevent it, because there will still be some water running down the inside of the tube. The seals and bearing in the other parts of the mod will prevent water from entering from below as well (and improve steering), if you want to go to the trouble of doing it, but it will take a little more effort.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1602

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1601

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1600

Or is it possible that the original plating did not go all the way to the top of the tubes (?)

In addition to whatever else is done (if anything) I would put a layer of thick oil over that area during reassembly, including the bolts and nuts, which will slow down the corrosion.

Good luck!

[jimmy alonso]

I notice the arms that connect to the posts on your boat year are square instead of round like I have on mine.
I think being a round tube over the round post will most likely stay wet longer than the square ones you have.
Explaining why they got all rusted on that spot on the top only.
I did put marine grease on the new rudder posts.

I did do the bearing MOD and replaced the steering rack and cable and put in a shiny new 17 inch wheel. Also made shims for the rudders.
All ideas I got from this site Thanks All.

Another BVI trip soon....