Ally/S.steel anti-corrosive jointing compound

[pikeonthe fly]

New to the site and have enjoyed reading the posts on this board a lot..learned a lot too. Whilst reading thru the threads have noticed reference to the problems of potential electrolytic corrosion between Ally hulls and s/steel fittings etc. So to put something back, thought I would post this. If this subject has allready been covered I apologise in advance.

Having come to Canada from the UK in the past 18 months or so, part of the crap I brought with me was a tube of a product called 'Duralac' which is an anti-corrosive compound. I have used it extensively on my own boats in the past, simply smearing it on the threads of s/s bolts before inserting into the ally hull etc. As most will know, Aluminum is sacrificial to the stainless and turns to a white powder around the stainless screw or bolt particularly if exposed to salt water. That is why stainless fittings on such as aluminum masts are bedded in some insulating material.

Unfortunately I have been unable to find a supplier in the US or Canada even though it is used extensively elsewhere in the world. However, their is a vast number of aviation maintenance supply shops all over the States and a number in Canada too, any one of which might carry it, plus the huge number of on and off line chandleries. (West Marine don't carry it in their catalog) My own supply being limited I tried to find an equivalent product here in North America.

After a search on the web, I found an equivalent product called 'Tef-Gel' which is claimed to "prevent corrosion between dissimilar metals e.g. stainless steel bolts, rivets or screws into aluminium or carbon fibre (Paint blistering, frozen fasteners, outboard motors." Anyone interested can find out more from this URL:

http://www.users.bigpond.com/jim.chambers/TEF_GEL.HTM

Must add I have no connection whatsoever with either product other than using the 'Duralac' paste in the past.

Hope this is of use to you guys..and thanks for a great board!

[bass ackwards]

There is a product called OX-Gard made by Gardner-Bender available at Home Depot about $4.00 for a small tube (in the electrical deptartment) I've used it allot on boat and automotive electrical. I use it on battery connections and in the fuse box area. Hydro workers uses a similiar product when attaching aluminum to copper wire.