Ans. There is no wood in the hull structure of a Sundance. The stringers, floors and transoms are made of fiberglass or high density urethane foam cores.
Qn. How can stainless steel rust?
Ans. Stainless steel is a name given to different grades of material with varying degrees of resistance to rust. At Sundance Boats, we use only the higher grade 316 stainless steel for all hardware. Since 2006 all our fasteners are also made from 316 stainless steel. However, even this grade can rust under some conditions. Stainless is an active metal that will form its own protective layer called a pacification layer. This protective layer can be compromised by some solvents and abrasives leaving the metal subject to corrosion until the layer can be reformed. The pacification process itself requires oxygen which comes from contact with the air. Therefore if the metal is allowed to stay in constant contact with salt water the protective layer can be broken down and rust can begin. Abrasives and harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning your boat to protect the stainless parts along with a freshwater rinsing after use in salt water, but this brings up another possibility. Some freshwater contains chemicals or minerals which can promote corrosion. In some parts of the country well water contains harmless minerals for human consumption but those same minerals can promote corrosion in the stainless parts on your boat. It may be necessary to install a filter in your water supply to protect your boat's hardware in these cases.
Also check out the care and cleaning section of our online Owners Manuals with care instructions from our stainless steel hardware manufacturer.
Qn. Should I be concerned about E-10 ethanol fuel in my Sundance boat?
Ans. Every component used in the fuel system of a Sundance boat is compatible with E-10 fuel, and has been for many years. All of our fuel tanks are either poly or aluminum and are not affected by ethanol. We have never used fiberglass tanks. Sundance has always used Type A1 fuel hoses which are rated for use with ethanol and other fuel-alcohols. Because of this there is no need for undue alarm because of E-10 fuel. This is not to say that alcohol in fuel causes no problems though and every effort should be made to stabilize the fuel when not in use. E-10 is less stable than straight gasoline and more prone to moisture absorption.
