I have just bought my first boat and want to know which parts of it can corrode so I can guard against it.?

Question

ie the anchor, lighting, wires, exterior and so on, i want to make sure I have everything covered.

Answer 1

Keep it clean and covered.  Your outdrive or lower end of your motor comes with a metal anode called a "sacrificial anode".  It's designed corrode first before your drive components.  Change it out each year... very cheap to do.  Keep the carpets clean and dry, keep electrical and dash components dry.... just keep the interior as dry as possible.  Maintain your battery properly, etc...

I think rot is a more appropriate word just do to the environment a boat is designed to operate in.  All of the above are only symptoms of poor maintenance and lazy ownership.  Protect your investment whether it's a 16' aluminum john boat or a 30' Scarrab.

Answer 2

Your bank account.

Answer 3

If you are going to use it in freshwater only, ie:lakes and rivers, corrosion is not as big a problem as it is in saltwater.  Keep all metal parts clean, polished, and lubricate often.  Keep the boat covered when not in use, this will keep the sun's rays (ultraviolet)  from ruining the finish.  Make sure you zinks are in good shape to prevent electrolosis from eating up any metal parts below the waterline.  Thats about it.