Treated Wood vs Aluminum

[Rub-a-dub]

I have been reading about treated wood vs aluminum causing electrolysis.
Does this apply only in areas where water is in contact acting as an electrolyte,
or in dry areas too? I built a shelf with treated plywood in a dry storage
compartment which contacts my aluminum hull. I use my boat in fresh water
only.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

Did you paint or seal the wood with anything?... or just put it in there raw?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

Yeah, raw treated wood on aluminum isn't great, but if you slap a few coats of paint, sealant or fiberglass on it that will help.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

If it's CCA treated plywood you'll be fine, though I doubt you have CCA treated plywood as it's expensive and difficult to find. It's probably cheap and easy to find AQC treated plywood, the stuff that will eat your boat.

Sealing treated plywood with paint/clear finish will help isolate it, but I still wouldn't want treated plywood on my aluminum boat. When the chemicals eventually start leaching out (failed finish)......

 

[pckeen]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

I would replace the shelf with untreated plywood.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

Most treated wood has some copper in it and that's what makes a battery with your aluminum. If the wood is isolated from the aluminum its OK but whatever seal you use to do that may break down in time.

 

[Rub-a-dub]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

Had I known about this before hand, I would never had used treated wood. I think the best thing is to remove it and replace with untreated wood. Thanks for the posts ........

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Treated Wood vs Aluminum

You will want to seal any wood you put back.