Rinse and dry stainless hardware after salt exposure
Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings.
Why this matters
Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings.
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.
Related FTM services
- Premium Detailing
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Rather have a pro handle it?
Full Throttle Marine comes to your dock in Tampa Bay and on the First Coast. Flat-rate quoted before we arrive. Yamaha and Mercury outboard specialists — no trailers, no waiting rooms.
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.
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