Sacrafical Anode

[Matt]

I am seeking advice on the installation of the zinc sacrifical anode on my Cat 22 keel. I am refinishing the keel and have the opportunity to strip the area down to bare metal before installing the zinc. Should the surface of the zinc disk be in direct contact with the keel? Alternately, can I install the zinc disk on top of the epoxy and paint and rely on the through bolt to provide enough conductive surface with the keel?Thanks for the help!

 

[Herb]

direct contact

All I have is salt water and I am in a marina with alot of commercial fishing boats, I say all that to show that I have a lot os stray current floating around in the harbor. I use a large zinc as close to the keel boat as I can and it must be in diect contct with the keel. the bolt is not enough to give you full protection. You should always paint around the zinc and then it will give you great protection. Herb

 

[Bill]

Ground

It is my understanding the zinc need to be connected to ground, either thru a direct connection via a ground wire or an attachment to something which is grounded i.e. motor, shaft or grounded keel. You might want to run a continutiy test if you have questions.