I like to add a remarkable fact which I discovered this weekend with regard to galvanic corrosion on a cat.

I've used already some time for the axes in my rudder release system (Prindle like) a special high grade SS because the normal 316SS bolts bended too much and too soon.

So, I ordered in the US a rod of 6mm highgrade 630 Stainless Steel and made clevispins of that by myself. This type of SS is socalled ferritic steel and can also be magnetized.

This weekend I finally had a bended one again.

At my surprise is was not only bended but also rusted near the head where the spring attaches. So galvanic corrosion despite the grade or thanks to the high grade!

I think that this is why this high grade bolts for the dolphin-striker connection are more prone to corrosion. And the necessary welding probably makes it worse.

The end of a galvanic corrosion process can lead to a broken bolt.
The cat-manufacturer starts searching for a stronger more high grade bolt, but ends up with a solution which in fact is even more vulnerable for corrosion.

Last edited by northsea junkie; 08/12/13 04:09 AM.

ronald
RAIDER-15 (homebuilt)

hey boy, what did you do over there, alone far out at sea?..
"huh....., that's the only place where I'm happy, sir.