FOLLOW-UP ON ENVIRONMENTALLY-SAFE RUST
PROTECTANTS:
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 1:19 PM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Sonar, Sirens,
Protectants, and Pumps.
>(SNIP) "the idea was that the substance would
coat the tank interiors with a non-toxic waxy film" (SNIP) "I bought it from Orchard Supply Hardware in
California; and have sent them an inquiry via email; but so far no
reply."
Phone contact with original supplier drew a
blank. A check of numerous local sources was negative. Whatever
this product was, it doesn't seem to be on the market anymore.
>(SNIP) "About BOESHIELD T-9:" (SNIP)
"it protects by leaving a "clean waxy film"...sounds pretty good so
far....aint cheap, though ($80 per gallon)"
Additional research disclosed similar products:
BROWNELL'S LTS-1; OUTERS METAL SEAL; and PACHMAYR RUST PREVENTION.
These all seem to do about the same thing; but can be pretty hard to
find; and some are well over $2.00 per ounce. So maybe BOESHIELD T-9 (from about $12.00 for a 12-ounce spray can, to
$80 per gallon in bulk) isn't so expensive after all.
T-9 actually penetrates metals by capillary
action, drying to a waxy coating which provides clean, dry, non-conductive,
non-staining, non-toxic protection against corrosives found in saltwater and
acid rain for just about everything on your sub: structural surfaces,
mechanisms, ballast tank interiors, battery connections, motors,
switches, etc. It is also shown to effectively protect
dissimilar metal assemblies; and when used on clad metal surfaces (like
aircraft-grade aluminum), it inhibits intergranular corrosion and
exfoliation. Plus, T-9 is safe for use on rubber, plastic,
acrylic, fiberglass, and the like.
All things considered (price, availability,
method of application, range of protection, and environmental concerns)
BOESHIELD might be the best product of this type on the market.
SALTGONE (tm) Salt and Chloride Remover is a
product which aggressively neutralizes and removes corrosives found in salt
water and acid rain. It offers advantages that washing with soap and
water don't provide; dilutes 1:64 (so a little goes a long way);
and costs about $40 for a gallon-sized container; (less in bulk for
larger amounts up to 55 gallons) .
Cleaning the sub with SALTGONE after use, and
then protecting vulnerable metal surfaces with BOESHIELD T-9, sounds like it
could provide reliable rust protection between trips to the ocean, and / or
while the boat is in storage.
Pat