Keel roller with metal or plastic washer

[arimatation]

I bought a couple of new keel rollers, a 5" and 12". The 5" is all rubber and the 12" is the stoltz roller with a plastic inner bushing. The brackets for the rollers are galvanized and are kind of rough. Actually the small roller bracket is sprayed with cold galvanizing and the 12" one is new galvanized.


I put large stainless washers on the outside of the rubber 5" roller. I am now thinking that maybe I should use nylon washers. Will corrosion be a problem with a galvanized keel roller bracket and zinc shaft with a stainless washer?
Thanks for any thoughts on this

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Keel roller with metal or plastic washer

Technically it could be a problem, galvanic corrosion. However, the two metals have to make metal to metal contact for one leg of the circuit and an electrolyte for the other.

If the washers and shaft are greasy a circuit will be difficult. Also the metals are just surface contact, not a hard contact as if screwed together.

Also, if the surfaces are dry there is no circuit.

I would say inspect when you off load the boat and squirt some lube on 'em.

I had the same problem with the plastic bushing pushing out. I used galvanized washers...so far so good.

 

[arimatation]

Re: Keel roller with metal or plastic washer

I will keep an eye on them.