I recall a Practical Sailor article about stanchion corrosion and how best to clean rust on the base. Anyone have that link or ideas?
I can't remember what publication, but I read an article that said rebedding was the only sure way to deal with corrosion coming from the underside of the stanchion base.
Cliff : Don't know what Practical Sailor said about removing rust stains, but I use "Bar Tenders Friend".
It's a dry powder with oxalic acid and you find it in the grocery store. A thought
Rust stains on the deck: FSR, BKF (Ron's idea) or On & Off (horrible stuff, too strong)
Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure will fill the leaks from above.
Whenever I've removed stanchions, the bolts, while rusty, were still intact and strong, and I have a 26 year old boat.
You could also remove and rebed with butyl tape.