hello and zincs

[maciacarter]

Hello everyone.

My husband and I just bought a Vega, and I've just signed onto the
site. I had a look, and someone mentioned zincs to attatch at the
back of the prop shaft. Does anyone know where to get these? We
aren't sure how else to put a zinc on. Also has anyone grounded
their hull for lightning? How did you do it? We assume that an
external plate is what we need.
I think a fellow in Hawaii is the man to contact about membership
in the American association. Does anyone have the information on
that?

Thanks very much,
Christine Carter

 

[tlochhaas]

Christine,
The zinc is necessary to prevent an electrolysis corrosion reaction of the
metal with salt water--you should put a new one on the prop shaft every
year. They look like a doughnut and attach easily to the shaft--you'll see
how the moment you see one. Be sure to get one that exactly matches the
shaft's diameter, which will vary among different boats. They're available
at almost any marine store--West Marine has them, as does Boat US. While
you're at it, check your engine manual--if you bring raw water in for
cooling, you'll probably need a zinc somewhere there too every year. (On my
Westerbeke diesel, for example, there is a zinc on a bolt that is inserted
into the heat exchanger. It's amazing how much of this sacrificial zinc
disappears in a season.) Good luck. I'll let others address the lightning
issue, which is nowhere as simple as it might seem. In fact, it can be a
huge, expensive proposition--and there's a lot of controversy about whether
it's needed and how well different systems work. Here in New England where
lightning storms do happen but aren't as common perhaps as in other areas, I
don't know a single boat owner who has a grounding system or worries much
about it -- other than to keep away from the mast and standing rigging during
a thunderstorm!
Welcome to the group. You'll be able to get all sorts of helpful information
here. Chuck Rose is the man in Hawaii who handles the association
membership--if you haven't heard from him already, go to this list's web site
and look through archived messages and you'll find his email address.
Best regards,
Tom

maciacarter wrote:

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Christine

The VAGB (Vega Assoc. of Great Britain) now provide special anode kits for
the Vega Combi prop. They are made especially for this prop and have proved
very popular in teh UK. We have them in stock at £20 each plus carriage
(about £3 - £4)

The other type of anode (Donought Shaft Anode) is no good for the standard
Vega with combi as the control tube moves in and out and the standard shaft
anode will stop full movement of the tube.

Kind Regards


Steve Birch Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703
At 16:32 20/03/02 -0000, you wrote:

 

[waltrambs]

Hi Christine, Regarding the Zink for the prop shaft etc. Defender has collar
zinks that will almost fit the Vega. You get the C-5 zink and machine the
collar to fit the flange at the exit point on the prop shaft. They are held
in place by set screws clamping action. No interference with the prop shaft.
Depending on where you sail will determine how often you need to replace it.
Cost for the collar shaft zinks around $7 to $8. and can be ordered on line
at. www.Defender.com Hope this helps Walt S.