Just when I thought it safe...

[Gordonmc]

to go to the yard with cash-in-pocket.
Coming to the close of the refit with brightwork finished, new anodes on, sterngear renewed, regalvanised chainplates on and caulked and the hull waiting for a decent weekend to get its gloss top-coats when horrors...
Rust streaks down the new filled, faired and undercoated topsides.
The rust has been traced to galvanised eye-bolts which take the barber sheet blocks (two each side).
I really did not want to start replacing these with stainless and given the wear they get I don't think painting will last long. Would a coat of lanolin do any good in keeping the rust at bay? I have heard riggers used the old sheep-fat on turnbuckles. How effective?

Anyone with options?


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[Peterduck]

Rust which you can see is one thing; that which is hidden away within the deck is another. I would strongly recommend thast you bite the bullet and get them regalvanised, or at least check the condition of the part of the eyebolt which is out of sight. Components which suffer wear, as these do, are really much better being stainless. It's either that or be prepared to regalvanise when it becomes necessary. If it is unsightly now when you still have your final coats to go on, how will you feel when it continues to bleed rust all over your freshly painted gloss enamel? The chafe was enoguh to wear through the zinc of the galvanising, so lanolin isn't going to last any time at all. Sorry for the bad news.
Peter.

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[Plum]

I totally agree with Peterduck in that you need to ensure there is no corrosion on the parts you cannot see, but if there isn't, lanolin on the eyes will certainly hold back most of the rusting. I use Lanocote, marketed by Davey & Co. and a small put lasts a long time. Either get them hit dipped or replace with stainess next winter. Enjoy your sailing!

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