I dove under the boat a couple of weeks ago and noticed the zinc I had put on the prop shaft was missing. Can I live without it until haul-out on 10/15? I replace the zinc every season, and it has shown minimal wear. I moor the boat at least 50 yards from the marina docks that have shore power. I do not have shore power, and have a raw water cooled inboard. Phil Decker S/V "Catmandu" 1982 Catalina 27, TR, traditional Atomic 4
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I wouldn't do it here because our water
is very warm and temperature increases any chemical reaction including galvanism. Shorepower does increase risk so you might be okay but my diver only charges me $15 to replace the zinc every quarter, at this price it's not worth me getting wet. Maybe you can check with one of the bottom cleaners in the marina and he can throw one on for you while he's in the area at reasonable cost. I really don't know, you may be okay but I would feel uncomfortable with no zinc for 2 months.
is very warm and temperature increases any chemical reaction including galvanism. Shorepower does increase risk so you might be okay but my diver only charges me $15 to replace the zinc every quarter, at this price it's not worth me getting wet. Maybe you can check with one of the bottom cleaners in the marina and he can throw one on for you while he's in the area at reasonable cost. I really don't know, you may be okay but I would feel uncomfortable with no zinc for 2 months.
Ted is right
Get a diver or try it yourself with a mask and fins! Don't get the yard to short hull it unless they give you a good price up front!
Get a diver or try it yourself with a mask and fins! Don't get the yard to short hull it unless they give you a good price up front!
WHAT KIND OF WATER
The first question is what kind of water salt or fresh. Salt most definetly not. The salt causes the electrolysis. Fresh not really a major problem unless your dealing with stray current.
The first question is what kind of water salt or fresh. Salt most definetly not. The salt causes the electrolysis. Fresh not really a major problem unless your dealing with stray current.
Temporary Measure
Some of the race boats used to hang a zinc over the side from the cockpit whilst moored. It was suspended on a rope with a wire connection to a bulldog or crocodile clip on to some part of the structure known to be in good contact with engine/propshaft etc. You could punt around the yard and find an old discarded zinc - a nice big one is best - and fit it as above as a temporary remedy until haul out. How long has it been missing?? You might not know so check prop, shaft and strut very carefully for pink surface when she comes out. If pink is seen chip at it fairly vigorously with a small hammer or screwdriver and if pieces of metal come away then the item is shot. Regards and good luck.
Some of the race boats used to hang a zinc over the side from the cockpit whilst moored. It was suspended on a rope with a wire connection to a bulldog or crocodile clip on to some part of the structure known to be in good contact with engine/propshaft etc. You could punt around the yard and find an old discarded zinc - a nice big one is best - and fit it as above as a temporary remedy until haul out. How long has it been missing?? You might not know so check prop, shaft and strut very carefully for pink surface when she comes out. If pink is seen chip at it fairly vigorously with a small hammer or screwdriver and if pieces of metal come away then the item is shot. Regards and good luck.
zincs
I would replace it if your boat is moored close to any boats that are constantly hook to shore power. Quick Tip for all: Find a little bit of bottom paint and put a couple coats on the areas around the holes of the zinc (about the size of a U.S. quarter) and paint one coat on the inside of the holes. This is the smallest area of the zinc and always the first to go. By painting the screw ends, you double the life of the zincs because it will attack the the larger un-painted mass instead.
I would replace it if your boat is moored close to any boats that are constantly hook to shore power. Quick Tip for all: Find a little bit of bottom paint and put a couple coats on the areas around the holes of the zinc (about the size of a U.S. quarter) and paint one coat on the inside of the holes. This is the smallest area of the zinc and always the first to go. By painting the screw ends, you double the life of the zincs because it will attack the the larger un-painted mass instead.
I'll get my wife to do it.
Thanks for the advice! It is indeed salt water, and we have a couple of months left in the sailing season. I'll get my wife to do it, I think. I am sure the zinc has been missing for only two or three weeks. I was motor along with moderate vibration. All of a sudden, it went away. That must have been it.
Thanks for the advice! It is indeed salt water, and we have a couple of months left in the sailing season. I'll get my wife to do it, I think. I am sure the zinc has been missing for only two or three weeks. I was motor along with moderate vibration. All of a sudden, it went away. That must have been it.
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