Pitting Corrosion

 

Passive metals, such as stainless steel, resist corrosive media and can perform well over long periods of time. However, if corrosion does occur, it forms at random in pits.

Pitting is most likely to occur in the presence of chloride ions, combined with such depolarizers as oxygen or oxidizing salts. Methods that can be used to control pitting include maintaining clean surfaces, application of a protective coating, and use of inhibitors or cathodic protection for immersion service. Molybdenum additions to stainless steel (e.g. in 316 stainless) are intended to reduce pitting corrosion.
Sometimes pitting corrosion can be quite small on the surface and very large below the surface.  Provided by:  CTT

Most pitting on boats is basically a build up of salt on a metal surface, there are various ways of treating this type of corrosion. Fresh water is key to early defense of salt build up.

After using your boat make sure to wash down all of the metal areas such as railings, cleats, fuel covers, steering wheels, power shifters, gear handles, with clean fresh water. Use a mild solution of soap or Soft Scrub then rinse off.

If the build up is substantial use a plastic cleaning pad and work the salt build up off the metal surface then clean with fresh water. Caution, be gentle as using abrasive tools can cause scratched surfaces that can’t be repaired.
The key ingredient is fresh water, use it as often as you can and make sure to thoroughly clean the area of any salt build up.

One solution you can try is to cover vulnerable areas such as boat lights and cleats with a light coating of spray rust inhibitor, this creates a barrier and can easily be wiped away if need be.

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