: My folks were in the boat building (big plastic sailboats) business for a
: number of years. It is interesting that imbedding stainless steel fittings
: in resin CAN cause the best stainless to corrode.

: Stainless steel is susceptible to its own special form of decay: crevice
: corrosion, also known as oxygen starvation. Stainless steel contains
: significant amounts of chromium. When exposed to the atmosphere the
: surface oxidizes slightly and a thin film of chromium oxide forms,
: preventing any further oxidation. If exposed to water, salt or fresh,
: without the presence of air, this film will not form and the metal will
: corrode. If the water in question is salt water, the process is
: accelerated.

: Additionally the the contamination of the stainless steel part by
: environmental iron (free iron) can accelerate corrosion (staining)of the
: fitting. Environmental iron contaminiation can come from the manufacturer,
: from tools in your shop (planes, vices, pipe clamps, your car, etc.)

: If I was going to inbed a stainless fitting I would do the following. 1. Make
: sure that the fitting is very clean-protect against free iron
: contamination. Consider cleaning it with alcohol or acetone. 2. Only inbed
: in areas that are not likely to collect water that may sneak towards the
: oxygen starved stainless. Be especially careful if it is a high load area
: that may see cracking wich may allow water infiltration. 3. Always flush
: with clean fresh water after salt water use.

: Only build one kayak but have been around other boat building for a few of
: years and this is from past experience.

: It will probably work out OK...and the rust staining (if you get it) might
: match pretty well with the color of cedar! Just be aware that your
: stainless....might not look stainless.

: Best regards,

: Jay
We did SS eye bolts in to the end pours and have no rusting in two years. We only paddle in the ocean but do always wash with city water. The problems that can occur I saw in the boat business in boats that sat in slips that were never used or kept up with any service. As a rigger I never saw any problems in SS that would scare me but aluminum is anther story. The manafactures had to always deal with the worst of situations and our kayaks are the best. If you were to do 5 week ocean crossing you may want to go to silicon bronze stuff.:)
Don