What would you do?

[JG63]

I’m considering this System Two - but the chrome flaking off the white metal reel foot has me crawfishing slightly - @saltwater experts: is this a show stopper or a cosmetic thing? My concern is that the aluminum alloy/white metal will corrode further - please share your thoughts - I’d use this primarily in fresh water but also in the brine when needed - reel foot replacement might be an option if that one screw cooperates - none of my reels that have seen salt look like this - what would you do?

 

[sandflyx]

Remove the foot, remove chrome and paint black. Then only use in fresh water or it will keep coroding.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Try #2, but you may need to prime it before painting. You can also look for replacement reel feet - Okuma has some offerings for ~$10. If you use composite, (careful... sometimes it's just high-impact plastic) it will never rust but I don't know how strong that would be on an 8-wt or bigger reel.

 

[Mike]

I have had only one experience with a white metal foot on outdoor equipment. It was the foot on a spotting scope. It was never exposed to saltwater or dropped, but deteriorated over many years anyway, developing hairline cracks and falling apart. Recommend checking foot for any very fine crack(s), even with a magnifying glass, as part of your inspection.

 

[poopdeck]

I wouldn’t give it one thought. I’d leave it as is, fish it, keep it clean and protected and see what happens. That will fish for the next 50 years. A little proper care after every trip will halt or substantially slow down further degradation. Worse case scenario is you replace a foot. All screws can be forced to cooperate.

 

[JG63]

Just for the record - I passed on it - there are plenty more out there in better condition