Hobie Forums :: View topic - Saltwater in crossbars

I use my Wave in saltwater so I'm perpetually worried about dissimilar metal corrosion (I.e. stainless rivet and aluminum extrusion). I already see heavy corrosion adjacent to the stainless steel hull stops. I noticed that water tends to get trapped in the crossbars. IMO, it's futile to avoid leakage. Because I store my Wave in my backyard after each use, I thought it would make more sense to drill large holes in the end caps to allow me to flush it out with fresh water and air dry.

I can't imagine anything worse than constant saltwater exposure at temps >80F. That would be an ideal environment to encourage corrosion.

Anyone else come to a similar conclusion?

Author:	kchididdy [ Sun Apr 21, 2024 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Saltwater in crossbars
I use my Wave in saltwater so I'm perpetually worried about dissimilar metal corrosion (I.e. stainless rivet and aluminum extrusion). I already see heavy corrosion adjacent to the stainless steel hull stops. I noticed that water tends to get trapped in the crossbars. IMO, it's futile to avoid leakage. Because I store my Wave in my backyard after each use, I thought it would make more sense to drill large holes in the end caps to allow me to flush it out with fresh water and air dry. I can't imagine anything worse than constant saltwater exposure at temps >80F. That would be an ideal environment to encourage corrosion. Anyone else come to a similar conclusion?

Author:	kchididdy [ Wed Apr 24, 2024 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Saltwater in crossbars
I drilled out the end caps and drained out a good amount of salt water. I stuck a bore scope into the aluminum extrusion and confirmed that there was a substantial amount of aluminum lost to corrosion around the rivets. I'm going to apply Tef-Gel or LanoCote from both sides and keep an eye on it. Now that I have large holes in my end caps, I might stick some NRS raft frames in there to make myself a backrest (they are no longer in production and impossible to find used).

Author:	veedub [ Fri May 17, 2024 10:48 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Saltwater in crossbars
How are you confirming that water is getting trapped in the crossbars? I'm also in the sam situation as you. kchididdy wrote: I use my Wave in saltwater so I'm perpetually worried about dissimilar metal corrosion (I.e. stainless rivet and aluminum extrusion). I already see heavy corrosion adjacent to the stainless steel hull stops. I noticed that water tends to get trapped in the crossbars. IMO, it's futile to avoid leakage. Because I store my Wave in my backyard after each use, I thought it would make more sense to drill large holes in the end caps to allow me to flush it out with fresh water and air dry. I can't imagine anything worse than constant saltwater exposure at temps >80F. That would be an ideal environment to encourage corrosion. Anyone else come to a similar conclusion?

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