Thanks, Roy. These were small bolts were holding the cleats to the toerail. They should not oxidize. Unless they were not high quality bronze. The crystilization and red color also confuses me. Usually, that is a sign of excess heat, is it not? Clearly, I will have to replace all with stainless steel as James did. Then too, I have seen poor quality stainless stell from Paskistan that rusts. It all depends on the alloy proportions of the different metals.
On the other hand, do stray currents have to be in the water to affect the different metals? Could proximity be enough to affect the bolts? The chrome finish on the cleat itself is peeling off and the boat is in a saltwater environment. Why aren't the two bronze grounding plates affected? All I have is questions today!
Now, some 40 years later, there was no sign of bedding material or caulking on the bolts or the bottom of the cleat. There will be when I put it back together!
Jerry
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