Disassembling sailboat rigs can be a difficult and frustrating task, especially when the rig was assembled without any anti-corrosive compounds. Many sailboats are put together at the factory without such compounds, making it challenging and costly for owners to dismantle and re-rig their vessels down the road.
Anti-corrosive compounds play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of a sailboat’s metal components. They protect against galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two dissimilar metals come into contact in the presence of an electrolyte (e.g., saltwater), causing one metal to corrode faster than the other.
Best Anti-Corrosive Compounds for Sailboats
One such product is Marelube Tef-45 made by Forespar, which contains a high percentage of Teflon to provide superior lubrication and corrosion protection. It is suitable for use on a variety of metal surfaces, including stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze. We like to use this product on turnbuckle threads and clevis pins.
Another effective anti-corrosive compound is Duralac, which is made from a mixture of chromate pigments and resins. It is particularly useful for protecting carbon fiber components from galvanic corrosion when in contact with metals. It creates a barrier to prevent corrosion and prolongs the lifespan of carbon fiber. However, it should be used with caution on painted carbon fiber surfaces. Duralac can also help prevent crevice corrosion in rigging hardware and is a versatile anti-corrosive compound that should be included in any sailboat maintenance routine.
We recommend Marelube Tef-45 and Duralac as our top options for protecting sailboats against galvanic corrosion. These products have proven to be effective in maintaining the longevity and structural integrity of a sailboat’s metal components, making them essential additions to any sailboat maintenance routine.
Both of these products are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection against corrosion. It is important to note that regular inspection and maintenance of a sailboat’s metal components is still necessary, even with the use of anti-corrosive compounds.
