Boom corrosion and halyard cleat attachment

First of all, thanks Matt and everyone else for your past comments and input. Two questions: I've found corrosion (pock mark) on my boom....best fix? Also, how were halyard cleats attached to the mast at the factory? (Previous owner reattached them using nonstainless hardware, which is deteriorating badly). Thanks

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Mims, FL

The best fix for corrosion pits is to leave them alone. Aluminum naturally forms an oxide layer which helps prevent further corrosion.

If you sail in salt water, rinse with fresh water as much as possible.

The mast cleats are mounted with extra long stainless steel pop rivets set in sleeves to make them watertight.

I agree with above, rinse off any salt deposits with fresh water after sailing and you should be fine.

If you're really worried about it, you could clean up the corroded aluminum spot and hit it with some Alodine (you can get it in a "pen" applicator). This provides a protective coating similar to anodizing, but can be done after the anodizing process and doesn't require big tubs, and electricity. It's a bit expensive though and probably overkill for a Hobie.

sm