Rinse and dry stainless hardware after salt exposure

Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings.

Book professional help More Rust & Corrosion tips

Why this matters

Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings.

No regrets: Replace missing screw caps and bedding — bare fasteners are corrosion entry points.

When DIY is not enough

Seized hardware, crevice corrosion on swim ladders, or rust streaks down the hull from fittings may need removal, re-bed, and gelcoat touch-up — we document cosmetic issues during detail visits.

DIY steps

Fresh-water rinse all deck hardware after salt trips.
Use a soft cloth to dry standing water on hinges and latches.
Apply marine metal polish to brightwork quarterly if exposed.
Tighten loose fasteners before they wallow out holes in gelcoat.

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Common questions

Rinse and dry stainless hardware after salt exposure

Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings. Replace missing screw caps and bedding — bare fasteners are corrosion entry points.

When should I call a professional instead?

Seized hardware, crevice corrosion on swim ladders, or rust streaks down the hull from fittings may need removal, re-bed, and gelcoat touch-up — we document cosmetic issues during detail visits.