What should be done to avoid galvanic corrosion when installing new hardware on a boat?

To avoid galvanic corrosion when installing new hardware on a boat, using isolators or non-conductive materials to separate dissimilar metals is essential. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are in direct contact in the presence of an electrolyte, which can lead to one of the metals corroding faster than it normally would. By incorporating isolators, such as rubber washers, fiberglass plates, or other non-conductive materials between metals of different types, you create a barrier that prevents direct electrical contact. This barrier significantly reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion, preserving the integrity and longevity of the hardware and the boat's structure.

While other methods, such as using specific materials or coatings, may contribute to reducing corrosion risks, they do not address the fundamental issue of electrical contact between dissimilar metals in the same environment as effectively as isolators do.