Which of the following is a common cause of galvanic corrosion in boat systems?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected in a conductive environment, typically in the presence of an electrolyte such as seawater. This type of corrosion happens because different metals have varying electrode potentials, and when they are in contact within a conductive medium, one metal corrodes preferentially.

In a boat system, common materials like aluminum, brass, and stainless steel may interact with each other in the saltwater environment, leading to accelerated corrosion of the more anodic metal (the one that will corrode first). This interaction is what creates galvanic currents that drive the corrosion process, making it a significant concern for boat building and maintenance.

The other choices—low water temperature, high humidity, and frequent cleaning of the hull—do not inherently create the conditions necessary for galvanic corrosion. While they may influence other types of corrosion or maintenance aspects, they do not contribute to the direct electrochemical reaction between different metals that defines galvanic corrosion. Thus, the fundamental role of electrical dissimilar metals is crucial in understanding and preventing galvanic corrosion in marine environments.