Aluminum window frames, 31TE

[gvare]

The alum window frames on my 31TE (2001) are beginning to corrode - particularly around some of the screw holes. Any recommendations? George, Hummmdinger, San Francisco

[gvare]

Actually, I am referring to the alum. strips (painted white) on the outside of the windows which cover the outside edge of the window at the housing. G

[JeffM]

George:

Been through this. Paint is peeling due to corrosion of the aluminum. I think the only way to permanently fix this is to remove the window frames, have them properly cleaned with acid and then properly painted. This is a huge job. Local boatyard told me this would probably cost $5,000 plus.

Last year I touched up my window frames where necessary. I sanded down the corroded areas, etched and primed the alumimun and painted the areas with Brightside. There is a color of Brightside that matches pretty well. I painted it with a brush. Turned out pretty good. My touch up is not real noticeable unless you look real close. A year later, still looks good, but a coupe of areas are starting to corode again. This is a maintenance thing that will probably need to be touched up every year or two.

The next time I do this, I am going to take a paint chip down to the local automotive paint supplier and have him match the paint. They will do this and put the paint in an aerosol spray can. I will then clean the area, prime with zinc chromate and use the automotive paint in the spray can. This will be alot easier and will proably look better.

Good luck!

Jeff

[jrjr]

Is there any preventive maintenance to avoid this?

[gvare]

Jeff: thanks very much likely the way I will go. George

[psalbin43]

Last year I saw a vender at the Providence boat show that powder coated your metal parts. I know powder coating is a good preventive against corrosion. I also don't think it would cost anywhere near five grand. Mine are still wood frames but I would look into this option for any metal protection.