PACESHIP CRUISING YACHT Maintenance Manual - page 10

THE CARE and MAINTENANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL

Though the corrosion resistance of stainless steel contributes greatly to the carefree life of the boatman,

the metal can provide even better results with reasonable use and care.

Maximum corrosion resistance starts with clean surfaces, and usually stainless steel marine equipment

can be kept clean simply by washing it down on a regular basis. In addition, it should be cleaned

occasionally with ordinary soap and water. To speed cleaning, action soda ash, borax or any of several

non-abrasive commercial cleaning agents can be added to the water. Stubborn stains, which from time to

time, can appear on stainless steel can be removed with a paste made with water and ammonia and

either magnesium oxide, finely powered prlmlce or French chalk. With this solution, it is important to rub in

the direction of the polishing marks on the stainless, using a soft cloth. Stainless steel wool of the finest

possible texture is sometimes used to remove extremely resistant deposits.

Although stainless steel is easy to keep clean, you should take care in the selection of the proper

cleaning agent for the job. For example, certain cleaning agents should ‘NOT’ be used, such as, steel

wool scouring pads, scrapers and wire brushes. These cleaning tools can leave minute particles of iron

imbedded in the stainless steel surface. These particles can corrode and mar the appearance of the

metal.

When a fitting needs replacement or for one reason or another a screw or bolt holding a piece of stainless

equipment must be changed, screws or bolts holding stainless items should also be of ‘stainless steel’.

Many non-stainless fasteners in contact with stainless steel set up a galvanic corrosion. At best, this can

result in an unsightly fastener and a surrounding stain. At worst, it can result in the rapid failure of the

fastener.

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