Anode

[j.hunter9999]

I've searched the world over and can't find anything even remotely resembling an anode anywhere on the outside of the boat. The electrical is all grounded to the motor. However, there is no anode on the prop, either.

Is an anode or some type of zinc required? Can someone provide more details?

Thanks,

Jack
V2620 - Bella

 

[sailshiva]

Our Vega had a split ball zinc on the prop shaft, and pencil zincs on the engine.

Sheila

 

[j.hunter9999]

Thanks, Sheila! I'm not sure what either of those are, but I'll look them up. Does anyone have photos?

Jack

 

[vegatern]

Jack, I've added a photo of shaft zincs in Tern's album. They are the only zincs outside the Tern, but a shaft zinc is necessary. I added the hub zinc this year but it probably is overkill.
Craig

 

[wxt8981]

Hi.:
I have a large elliptical shaped anode outside about mid-ship that lasts about 4 to 5 years, and another anode rright next to the prop on the shaft. That one I replace every time I haul my boat for a bottom job (anti-fouloing paint, bewween 12 to 18 months). If you have a variable pitch prop, you may not have room for an anode there.
The biggest killer of sailboats is a car battery charger. If you have one to charge your batteries, toss it over board! And get a marine charger that emits ONLY DC power!
Wilhelm, V-257

 

[j.hunter9999]

Craig. Thanks for the photo. That helps...along with Calder's boat maintenance book. Thanks to Wilhelm, also, for the explanation. No auto charger on board.

Time to see if I can find one online!

Jack

 

[wxt8981]

Hi Jack;
there are quite a few "marine battery chargers" sold that really aren't. It's easy to find out: Use a voltmeter, and with the AC setting, there should be 'zero' voltage. By the way, there's nothing wrong with these chargers as long as the connection is from charger to battery- but NOT to the boat.
Wilhelm, V-258

 

[j.hunter9999]

Hey Wilhelm,

In my case, I just replaced all the electrical (wiring, batteries...pretty much everything but the alternator). The only things charging my batteries are (1) a solar panel, (2) the alternator (although rarely), and (3) a brand new, rebuilt Xantrex inverter/battery charger. However, since I am rarely plugged in anywhere, it is really more of an inverter than a charger.

Thanks again for the advice. As always, this forum is the best!

Jack.