binnacle base rotting

[Kevin Kaldenbach]

Has anyone had problems with the bases to their binnacle rotting? Both my CD31 and a friends at the same marina have this problem. The cast aluminum used for the base has got to be towards the bottom of the nobility scale so I wonder if anyone has changed their base out and if there is a better option. It looks like a pressed fit to the tube so if I can get it apart I think I will see if a machine shop can make me a better one. Any suggestions?

[JWSutcliffe]

Kevin:

The problem with a lot of the Yacht Specialties pedestals (such as used on the 31) seems to be galvanic corrosion of the aluminum base in contact with the stainless steel mounting bolts. I looked into several pedestals that were being parted out, and the bases on those were worse than mine. Given that Yacht Specialties is long gone, my plan was to replace the pedestal with an Edson when the base finally gives up.

[Maine Sail]

Kevin:

The problem with a lot of the Yacht Specialties pedestals (such as used on the 31) seems to be galvanic corrosion of the aluminum base in contact with the stainless steel mounting bolts. I looked into several pedestals that were being parted out, and the bases on those were worse than mine. Given that Yacht Specialties is long gone, my plan was to replace the pedestal with an Edson when the base finally gives up.

Only the Yacht Specialties pedestals with "Yacht Specialties" embossed into the base, like the one in the photo, were problematic. It was just poor aluminum and a poor quality casting. The earlier bases, with no embossed logo, do not tend to suffer this issue.

I have done about 6 or 7 conversions of the "embossed" YS pedestals and none of the non-embossed version. Our non-embossed YS pedestal is now 35 years old and in perfect shape... If you can find a used one snap it up otherwise time to call Edson.. The embossed YS pedestal has a different bolt hole pattern than Edson. The non-embossed version is the same hole pattern........

[Jim Walsh]

This is how the PO of Orion addressed the issue. This spring I'll be painting it since it looks a bit unsightly, but it's probably stronger than new. It has proven to be solid as a rock for the last seven years.