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Hello all, there is multiple areas on our tower where there is corrosion especially where it connects with the stainless mounts for the Bimini as well as the base. Is there a reasonable fix before the paint starts flaking off? Boat year is 2019. I assume this tower is powder coated.

What is going on is galvanic corrosion or galvanism. It is caused when two dissimilar metals - in this case stainless steel and aluminum - become connected. The less noble of the two metals (aluminum is less noble than stainless steel) will corrode. Same thing that happens between stainless steel propellers and an aluminum outdrive housing - only in that case we introduce an even less noble metal than aluminum that will corrode first, the zinc anodes. In your case, I would say the salt water spray that ultimately get's on your tower speeds up this process. But, the root cause is the stainless stee fittings fastened to the aluminum arch. Unfortunately, once you see the paint bubbling, the corrosion is already well underway, and the only fix is to repair the corrosion damage and repaint. When it comes to this type of problem, there are products that can be used to isolate the SS fasteners from the aluminum - I forget the name, but one is a liquid you coat the fasteners with before installing, the others are things like nylon washers etc. Bottom line, anywhere you have two metals like this that come into contact AND they get wet with salt water often, this is going to happen at some level.

Damn this sucks, thanks for the explanation. I am awaiting to hear back from the dealer once he hears back from Cobalt to see if it’s covered under warranty. I am surprised that Cobalt hasn’t made a correction to this issue.

What a shame. Sorry man.

I’ve got the same problem starting on my 2021. Did you hear anything from cobalt?

Btw, I’m not being a slacker lol just trying not to be a pain in the ass to the dealer. They said it could take a while to have it approved. I don’t know why Cobalt doesn’t switch to a fiberglass tower and avoid this

Called dealer about the paint on mine. Dealer has been great. They are waiting to hear from Cobalt. Several of the screws on the tower are also rusting which is annoying.
Dealer said Cobalt replaced the entire tower for another customer but it took 9 months for the parts to come in.

I am still waiting for my replacement tower and my claim was opened last July (yes 10 months ago) my dealer is waiting for several towers for others as well with the same problem. Supply chain issues. Pretty disappointed quite frankly but it’s out of my control. I’ve also spoken to Cobalt and they are aware.

Update!
Tower was replaced under warranty from Cobalt. Dealer which was Causway Marine in NJ did a great job.

Now that’s a great update Tgarris!

Thanks!

Mine is also being replaced under warranty. Dropped it off at dealer this week. Appreciate Cobalt taking care of it without any fuss.

And your boat is a 2021, wow. Cobalt should make these out of fiberglass. Glad you are being taken care of. What state is your boat located?

I’m in Florida. Boat is kept in dry storage indoors, but I lower and raise the arch each time.

Well good luck with the new tower, hopefully the person who paints it did a great job