Paint-finish - Maintenance of surfaces
6.
3
Grand Soleil 46.3'
Stainless Steel
• AISI 316 stainless steel is used for the hardware on the Grand
Soleil 46.3'. This is a steel alloy containing the ideal percentage of
molybdenum between 2 and 3% which is particularly resistant to
corrosion and oxidation in marine conditions.
• This does not mean that this steel is not subject to chemical
aggression such as chlorides, sulfates and ferrous contamination
(more frequent in port areas than at sea), present in polluted
environments.
• The marine environment and waters with a high concentration of
chlorine ions tend to create “pitting” in stainless steel; this is the
pitting corrosion which occurs initially with rust points on the
surfaces and then penetrates the internal structure.
Maintenance
• To prevent or reduce pitting, never use detergent containing
chlorine (e.g. chlorohydrin and its solutions) or abrasives (iron
pads, abrasive paper etc.) when cleaning stainless steel surfaces.
These modify the surface passivity of the stainless steel and
reduce protection.
• To clean stainless steel parts correctly, use a soft cloth, sponge or
soft brush with a fresh water and neutral soap solution; in the case
of very stubborn dirt, use special stainless cleaners.
• After sailing, if possible rinse the stainless steel surfaces with
fresh water.
• If the boat is laid up for a long period, clean the stainless steel
surfaces and apply a coating of Vaseline oil.
