Lost Zinc on Cruise, what would you do?

[Lee Coller]

This situation happened to me last week. On a week long cruise California's Channel Islands, diving on day 4 I look at my prop shaft and notice that the zinc is missing. Prop looks fine. Note that there is a zinc on the strut which may provide some minimal protection to the prop.

What would you do?

1) Continue your cruise and take care of it when you get back to the marina in 3 days.
2) Head to the nearest port where you can get it replaced (in my case, Santa Barbara, 22 nm away in 20-30 knot winds).
3) You are prepared and have a spare handy?

In my case I chose 1 (though I considered 2, and in the future it will be 3).

 

[Merlin Clark]

I carry spares but if I found that the quartermaster had been remiss in his (my) duties, I'd cut off his rum ration and continue to have fun. 3 days isn't going to hurt.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

It doesn't make sense to sail in conditions you would rather not to put a zinc on your boat. Three days won't make that much difference, so, enjoy your trip and when you get back take care of it. How long ago did you last see the zinc? Did it disappear in a very short period of time, or take a while?

 

[Lee Coller]

I'm guessing it disappeared the day before when we picked up the stern anchor while backing though some kelp (I had set outside the kelp but the kelp drifted over). I know it was on the day before we left as the hull had just been cleaned.

 

[Scotian]

I put two on my shaft and replace one each spring.

 

[kloudie1]

I certainly agree.. Do 1.. and 3.. Be sure to have the correct size allen wrench taped to the spare so everything is in one place. You can put some rough (like 80 grit) waterproof paper rolled up in the hole in the zinc too, so ya can burnish the shaft a bit for a good connection before the new one goes on. Enjoy the cruise

 

[Rick D]

Unless you have a really hot dock, I'd just wait until your diver's next cleaning. If you do have a hot dock, as you well might in Redondo, I'd just call the dive service and have them put on another when you get back. If you don't have a dive service, I'd just approach one of them on the docks and give them cash for a replacement or call one for a one-time service. Regardless, not critical unless ignored and you are not going to do that. Sounds like you had a great trip. My wife is sensitive to motion sickness so I stay away from the northern channel islands.

 

[Merlin Clark]

Forgot to mention, when you install your new zinc be careful not to over tighten, this might crack the zinc and it will fling off when the shaft spins.

 

[Cayennita]

Install a new zinc when you get back, but touch up with bottom paint around the allen screws where the there is less zinc. It will last much longer.
Buy or build a zinc guppy and clamp or bolt to a grounded stay on your rigging. There is always stray electricity at the docks and will attack the zinc. A larger zinc in the water will let the one on the shaft last much longer. My boat has 2 zincs on the shaft plus the guppy. If you see discoloration on the blades, then you need to act quickly.

 

[fstbttms]

What would you do?

Unless your boat has a history of rapid zinc depletion and running gear corrosion, there is no reason to panic. I would certainly not interrupt a cruise to to deal with it. As others have mentioned, simply have your diver replace the missing zinc when you get back to your marina.

Forgot to mention, when you install your new zinc be careful not to over tighten, this might crack the zinc and it will fling off when the shaft spins.

I have installed many thousands of zincs. I have never cracked one despite hammering them on and torquing the screws as tight as possible, nor have I ever heard of anybody ever cracking a zinc. Just not an issue in this hull cleaner's opinion.