Gary,

I think you are right about the brush. I had not thought about the
annodizing. However if there are severe areas of corrosion , I really do not
know what I would do if I had that problem.

I guess it is time to lower the sails and seriously clean all the foils.

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Super Maramu #376











_____

From: amelyachtowners@...
[mailto:amelyachtowners@...] On Behalf Of amelliahona
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 5:24 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel] mast mainsail furler foil





Dear members: I believe that 90% of maintenance and preventative maintenance
is :doing the dishes". In other words, keeping things clean and lubricated.
I concur that cleaning the foil is important. BUT... As an opposing opinion
regarding the following statement: "I would clean the foil with a small very
stiff brush, possibly stainless "

I would STRONGLY advise against using any kind of metal brush on any
anodized aluminum object (i.e. the foil). This ill scratch the thin, but
hard, anodized surface treatment and will lead to corrosion of the aluminum
structure.

If you need to clean the foil, use soap and hot water and a bristle brush
made of nylon or other synthetic bristles. If you can clean it up using a
good rag, soap and water without resorting to any kind of brush it would be
best. If accretions of material warrant stronger methods consider something
like acetone to remove layers of oil, grease, or wax.

Just my experience with anodized aircraft structures.

Gary Silver
s/v Liahona