My folks were in the boat building (big plastic sailboats) business for a number of years. It is interesting that imbedding stainless steel fittings in resin CAN cause the best stainless to corrode.

Stainless steel is susceptible to its own special form of decay: crevice corrosion, also known as oxygen starvation. Stainless steel contains significant amounts of chromium. When exposed to the atmosphere the surface oxidizes slightly and a thin film of chromium oxide forms, preventing any further oxidation. If exposed to water, salt or fresh, without the presence of air, this film will not form and the metal will corrode. If the water in question is salt water, the process is accelerated.

Additionally the the contamination of the stainless steel part by environmental iron (free iron) can accelerate corrosion (staining)of the fitting. Environmental iron contaminiation can come from the manufacturer, from tools in your shop (planes, vices, pipe clamps, your car, etc.)

If I was going to inbed a stainless fitting I would do the following. 1. Make sure that the fitting is very clean-protect against free iron contamination. Consider cleaning it with alcohol or acetone. 2. Only inbed in areas that are not likely to collect water that may sneak towards the oxygen starved stainless. Be especially careful if it is a high load area that may see cracking wich may allow water infiltration. 3. Always flush with clean fresh water after salt water use.

Only build one kayak but have been around other boat building for a few of years and this is from past experience.

It will probably work out OK...and the rust staining (if you get it) might match pretty well with the color of cedar! Just be aware that your stainless....might not look stainless.

Best regards,

Jay