SS +aluminum +salt water = mush??

[lindalaw]

OB bracket project for sail kayak/trimaran continues...found a wood & SS Garelick on sale for $20! Rated for 85 lbs, so, a great buy, and sure to support the Honda 2hp. <br /><br />SS brackets will be either: (1) modified and mounted on 3" aluminum round stock (one of the outriggers); or (2) replaced completely with custom aluminum. At $20, I'm OK using wood block and discarding SS brackets w/o remorse. Question is, is the tradeoff of losing SS strength worth avoiding electrolysis between the SS and aluminum in saltwater? Need advice from the old salts!

 

[suzukidave]

Re: SS +aluminum +salt water = mush??

I would try the S/s brackets but mount some zincs. Most marine stores carry a wide variety and something should fit somewhere. Also, wrap the aluminum stock with rubber before you mount it so there is no direct contact. Make sure you have good contact and keep an eye on the zincs -- you'll know pretty quickly if you have a problem.