My sterndrive paint is peeling and/or blistering. What is going on?
One of the first signs of galvanic corrosion is paint blistering (starting on sharp edges) below the waterline, with a white powdery substance forming on the exposed metal areas. As the corrosion continues, the exposed metal areas will become deeply pitted, with the metal actually being eaten away. Galvanic corrosion of aluminum sterndrive units, or any other underwater aluminum on your boat, is accelerated by attaching stainless steel components like propellers, trim planes (if connected to engine ground) and after-market teering systems. Whenever you add stainless steel accessories, it’s a good idea to have the corrosion resistance checked to make sure it is still adequate.
