Boat Owner's Resource Center
Rust & Corrosion
Florida humidity plus salt equals galvanic corrosion everywhere metal meets water — catch it before hardware seizes.
4 owner guides · DIY steps · No-regrets rules · Pro service links
What you'll find here
Florida humidity plus salt equals galvanic corrosion everywhere metal meets water — catch it before hardware seizes. Each guide below includes step-by-step DIY instructions, a no-regrets rule of thumb, and clear guidance on when to book professional mobile service from Full Throttle Marine.
Who these tips are for
Recreational powerboat owners in Florida — especially Yamaha and Mercury outboard operators in Tampa Bay, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville — who want to protect their investment between scheduled service visits.
Rust & Corrosion guides
Rinse and dry stainless hardware after salt exposure
Tea-staining and pitting start as surface rust on cleats, hinges, and T-top fittings.
Read guide →Follow a sacrificial anode schedule — not a guess
Anodes protect lower units and trim tabs. Too little zinc and metal erodes; too much can overprotect.
Read guide →Keep the bilge dry and elevate stored gear off the floor
Standing bilge water accelerates corrosion on pumps, tabs, and hull penetrations.
Read guide →Protect trailer bunks and lift points from chafe and water trap
Improper support points crack gelcoat and trap salt against the hull.
Read guide →Beyond DIY
We come to your slip.
When a rust & corrosion issue exceeds safe DIY, book Full Throttle Marine — flat-rate service at your dock across Tampa Bay and the First Coast.
Other resource categories