Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

I do all my boating in salt water & my boat stays in the water all season long. Do you guys know if a polished billet aluminum hub will require a lot of maintenance to keep looking nice? Getting it powdercoated is not an option as the Livorsi gauges, throttle & steering wheel are chrome & platinum in color.

Does anyone offer a chrome or stainless hub that will better resist the harsh salt water environment?

*need hub for 3/4" tapered shaft w/keyway*

Thanks,
Dan

Re: Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

Any piece of bare aluminum or steel should be corrosion proofed in some way if it is to be in a marine environment.
If the hub was an off the shelf part from a major manufacturer it may have been coated or clear anodized. If it was custom made and just polished, then it should be taken to a plating shop. Any bare aluminum in Jersey salt water will corrode fast. Talk to a plater they can tell you what your options are.

Re: Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

We were at SOTW last weekend just walking around looking at the hardware. We noted a few of the new Cigs were decked out in billeted aluminum parts including seat bolsters, hatch braces etc. I don't know if these were anodized or whatever but as long as these are fresh water boats everything will be cool. However, even if anodized slight scratches, time and salt will take it toll. Salt is cruel to most metals even low grade stainless.

Re: Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

Unfortunately, bare polished aluminum will corrode and dull quickly in saltwater. And most of the treatments to prevent or slow corrosion will also dull the shine, so it's a catch 22. I would get it conversion coated or clear anodized.

Re: Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

stainless is painless

Re: Salt Water & Billet Aluminum Question
 

Thanks for the input guys!

CR101, where can I find a stainless steel steering hub for sale? Any leads?

Thanks,
Dan