There are different types of rust or corrosion

This takes place when two dissimilar metals are submerged in water. These metals become like a Battery, one metal acts as the positive side of the battery and the metal become the negative side of the battery and then generates small electrical current flowing from one metal to the other, it eats away at the weaker of the two metals

Electrolytic Corrosion.

This is caused by currents from outside your boat, such as leakage from your shore-power system or a mild electrical current from a nearby boat.

Rust Corrosion.

Iron and steel will get that common reddish-brown rust wherever bare metal is exposed to any type of dampness.

Pitting Corrosion.

Aluminum doesn't 'corrode' but rather forms a layer of oxidation on the surface that looks like small dull grime with whitish lumps.

Some steps to take in slowing or stopping Rust or Corrosion are:

One method to stop the Galvanic and Electrolytic Corrosion is by using a system of Zinc Anodes.

The Zinc Anodes should be bolted to the out-drive, rudders, prop shafts, trim tabs and all other areas of metal that could be attacked. The Zinc Anodes are sacrificial and they will be eaten away before the corrosion can get into your more expensive metal parts of your boat.

For Galvanic Corrosion can also be eliminated by keeping dissimilar metals apart. Mounting an aluminum fitting with a bronze bolt is asking for trouble, which is why stainless-steel bolts are commonly used for boating gear. If you have to replace a metal fitting with a dissimilar metal, you must insulate the two metals from each other with a layer of electrical or rubber tape.

A method to stop Common Rust is in prevention by coating all the parts with ZIRLON to keep them protected from the wet and dampness. If it's already started to rust, you can't just paint over it since the rust will continue to blossom under a layer of paint that will soon blister off. Instead, use a wire brush, bronze wool (not steel wool, which leaves pieces that will rust!), or sandpaper to get down to bare metal, apply a coat of ZIRLON.

Another method to stop Aluminum Corrosion, actually to stop Aluminum Oxidation is to protect it with ZIRLON before oxidation begins. Once it has that grayish film, which is actually oxidation, has shown up you need to sand it off or use a specialized aluminum restoration product that will clean the surface .Then protect the parts with ZIRLON. With ZIRLON the aluminum will remain a fairly high maintenance item on your boat.

The other metal is Stainless Steel. Even with its name, stainless steel isn't stain-less. You have frequently seen weepings or runs of rust on a stainless-steel. Even stainless steel can bleed a little corrosion. Using wax can help protect the stainless steel but ZIRLON in the beginning is a long time protection that you can use to prevent it from starting.

Is your boat being attacked by Galvanic or Electrolytic Corrosion?

Look for galvanic or electrolytic corrosion in the pitting of your Zinc Anodes. Another way to tell when you are being attacked is when your metal parts turn pinkish in color. When checking your Zinc Anodes and you see a high rate of reaction or the disappearing of the Zinc, call in an experienced electrician to see if your boat is leaking the stray currents or if your marina and nearby boats are at fault.

Zirlon Marine is a designer nano-technology now with an atomic charged molecule technology. It was design for as an anti-fouling for boat hulls but it can also be used on any metal to prevent corrosion. Zirlon Marine is also 100% environmentally safe and able to perform above any of global leading 'green' standards.

Tip: Coat all of your Electrical Connections with Zirlon - you will be happy that you did... Visit