Living in Central Florida means enjoying some of the most beautiful waterways in the world, from the winding St. Johns River to the open Atlantic off Jupiter Inlet. But for boat owners, paradise comes with a price: rust. The combination of intense humidity, salt spray, and scorching sun creates the perfect storm for corrosion, turning gleaming hardware into pitted, orange messes overnight.
If you have noticed those tell-tale streaks running down your fiberglass or struggle to loosen a bolt that was fine just last month, you're not alone. Rust is the silent enemy of every Florida boat owner. The good news is that with the right knowledge and a few proactive steps, you can stop corrosion before it starts.
Rust is simply a chemical reaction called oxidation, which occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture. While this happens everywhere, Florida’s unique environment acts like a turbocharger for the process.
Our average summer humidity hovers between 70% and 80%, meaning the air itself is often saturated with moisture. Add in the salt from the Atlantic Ocean—which accelerates oxidation by increasing the conductivity of water—and you have an aggressive environment that attacks metal 24/7. Even stainless steel, which is designed to resist rust, can succumb to pitting and crevice corrosion if the protective oxide layer is breached by salt crystals.
Common trouble spots include:
If you keep your boat anywhere near the coast—whether that is a marina in Jupiter or a lift in Tequesta—you're dealing with "salt air." This aerosolized salt can travel miles inland, coating surfaces you might not expect.
Local boat owners know that the battle is not just about what touches the water; it's about the atmosphere. For example, a boat stored near the salty breezes of the Jupiter Inlet requires significantly more protection than one kept in dry storage in Orlando. The constant cycle of wet mornings (heavy dew) and hot afternoons expands and contracts metal fittings, creating microscopic gaps where salty moisture can settle and start the corrosion process.
The most effective way to stop rust is to create a barrier that prevents moisture and salt from ever touching the metal. This is where specialized corrosion prevention products become essential.
For fasteners and hardware that need to be removed later (like screws on an outboard cowling or mast fittings), you need a lubricant that won't wash away. We highly recommend Tef Gel - TG-.25 (3cc tube) for smaller applications. This anti-corrosion lubricant is incredibly sticky and water-resistant, ensuring that the barrier stays intact even when submerged.
Using a product like this is crucial because it prevents "galling" or "seizing"—where two metals fuse due to corrosion. There is nothing worse than trying to unscrew a bolt only to have the head snap off because the threads have rusted solid. A small dab of prevention now saves hours of drilling and cursing later.
When you're replacing hardware or upgrading equipment, the materials you choose make a massive difference. In the marine industry, not all "stainless steel" is created equal.
Whenever possible, upgrade to 316 stainless steel for any exterior fittings. Additionally, be wary of mixing metals. Placing a stainless-steel screw directly into an aluminum mast without a barrier creates a battery-like reaction called galvanic corrosion. This eats away at the aluminum rapidly. Always use plastic washers or a dielectric paste to separate dissimilar metals.
Trapped moisture is a boat killer. If you cover your boat, ensure there is adequate airflow. A tightly sealed cover in the Florida heat creates a sauna effect, driving moisture deep into electrical connections and upholstery.
Use vents in your boat cover or install solar-powered fans to keep air moving. For cabin boats, moisture absorbers (like dehumidifier buckets) are a cheap insurance policy against mold and internal rust. Keeping the humidity down inside the boat is just as important as washing the salt off the outside.
Consistency is key. You cannot wait until you see rust to start fighting it. Here is a simple routine that works for most Florida boaters:
For those larger jobs or when you're doing a full service on your rig, you will want a larger supply of protection. The Tef Gel - TG-1 (20cc tube) is perfect for protecting larger bolts, prop shafts, and anchor swivels. It replaces petroleum greases that wash out quickly, giving you waterproof protection that lasts for years.
Sometimes, surface rust is a sign of a deeper structural issue. If you see rust streaks coming from fiberglass cracks, or if a critical structural component (like a chainplate or engine mount) is heavily corroded, it's time to call in an expert.
Surface rust can often be removed with specialized cleaners and a bit of elbow grease. Products containing oxalic acid are great for removing those ugly "weeping" stains from fiberglass. However, never simply paint over rust on structural metal; it will continue to eat away the metal underneath the paint, leading to sudden failure.
Absolutely. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of repair. Let's look at the numbers. A tube of high-quality anti-corrosion gel costs around $30 to $40. In contrast, having a mechanic drill out a single seized bolt in an engine block can easily run $150 per hour in labor, not including the cost of new parts.
Furthermore, corrosion is a leading cause of electrical failure. Replacing a corroded wiring harness on a center console can cost upwards of $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of the boat. Spending a few minutes applying a protective coating to your terminals is an investment that pays for itself ten times over.
According to a study by the NACE International Institute, the global cost of corrosion is estimated to be US$2.5 trillion, which is equivalent to 3.4% of the global GDP. For a boat owner, this translates to thousands of dollars in lost value and repair bills if ignored.
Your boat is your ticket to the weekends, whether you're fishing near the Jupiter Lighthouse or cruising with family. Don’t let rust cut your season short. By understanding the environment and using the right products, you can keep your vessel running smooth and looking sharp.
If you need help finding the right anti-corrosion solutions for your specific boat, we are here to help. Contact Jupiter Boat Supply at (561) 320-3522 or stop by to chat with our team. We know what works in our local waters because we are out there too.
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