How often do you change zincs?

[CO Editorial]

How often do you change your zincs?While this question generally addresses the zincs you install on your prop shaft, we should also discuss zincs used in your engine or cooling system, too.Is the replacement cycle consistent, or does it change from year to year? Have you found any difference in location, brand, size or type you apply?Share your most corrosive opinions here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz toward the bottom of the home page.

 

[gary]

checks

I check them every year. I have not had to change them yet.

 

[Mike Meece]

Zincs

I keep my C320 in the water all year round at the Amelia Island Yatch basin. I have a diver clean my boat's bottom quarterly and he checks my zincs while he is dwon there. If the zinc ise 50% worn I replace it. Last year, just after I took delivery of my new-used C320, I threw a zinc. No damaged was done, but it does make a loud THUNK when it hits your hull. The zinc are also visually inspected when I haul the boat every 18 months for bottom painting. The engine zinc are checked during the 50 hour maintenance cycle. Additionally, I do not keep my boat hooked up to shore power while it in the slip. I only hook up the day before we depart to cool down the frig and to put a final charge on the batteries. Good sailing!

 

[Hans Holm]

zinks

Yearly.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Varies Greatly

I think the suggestion of regular checks is the best practice. The life of the zinc varies greatly from harbor to harbor. Some are "hot" and will eat zincs very quickly. Others are not and zincs will last for years. They're relatively inexpensive to replace when the boat is out of the water, so replace them at haul-out even if you think they have life left.

 

[Jim WIllis]

Tightening also zincs on Spurs.

My set of Spurs line cutters was completel eaten becaue the diver who does my boat (and myselft too) did'nt realize that the spurs have their own zinc. The max prop was also a bit pitted in Honolulu duirn a tme that the exsting zinc was not (according to Les the diver) tightened to make good contact. This really not my area at all put the damage did occur and feedback would be welcomed.Jim W