Surface rust on gaff

My gaff has light surface rust that I sanded off and it just returned after a single outing or so. Is there a solution to stop this. My primary concern is contamination if that should be an issue..

Or maybe it is patina? It is smooth to the touch/nail rub. Doesn't rub off with vinegar. I have no idea what kind of metal the gaff is made from. I did let it soak w/ a coating of magica rust remover for a couple hours.

It's likely to be some grade of stainless, I'd imagine.  One thing you can do is clean the rust off and apply a paste of Barkeeper's Friend (Oxalic Acid) and let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse off.  The idea is to re-passivate the stainless which creates the layer that helps reduce rust.

Soak it in white vinegar for a day should be able to get most rust out that way. Worked with some weights I had

It's likely to be some grade of stainless, I'd imagine.  One thing you can do is clean the rust off and apply a paste of Barkeeper's Friend (Oxalic Acid) and let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse off.  The idea is to re-passivate the stainless which creates the layer that helps reduce rust.

Oxalic acid is the rust-removing serum!!! Works super well!!

Cool. Looked up passivation, which led me to:

https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/passivation
https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/passivating-stainless

which then reminded me that I have some Flitz laying around. Might try the Flitz for a bit or possibly some if I can find some of that Oxalic Acid or such around.

I’ve used tin foil and water to remove surface rust. Abrasive enough to clean, but won’t cause deep damage to the material.

Cool. Looked up passivation, which led me to:

https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/passivation
https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/passivating-stainless

which then reminded me that I have some Flitz laying around. Might try the Flitz for a bit or possibly some if I can find some of that Oxalic Acid or such around.

Interesting reading. Thanks.

Hmm.. turns out the Magica rust remover has Oxalic acid