Sacrificial Anode necessary for short stay in salt-water marina?

Oct 19, 2019
921
Albin Vega 27 Limerick
Hi all.
I'm hoping to bring Breakaway to sea mid-July. She has been on a fresh
water lake(L Derg) for 15-20 years.

We'll have to transit through lots of locks including a 100ft lock
through a hydro power station on the Shannon R.

I'm wondering whether a 2-4 week stay in a salt-water marina requires an
anode?

(A fellow-Vegan has suggested a zinc anode hanging off the transom
"near" the prob - connected by heavy copper wire to engine block.. -
Lifted out of water before starting engine.)

Necessary?
A Good Idea?

Any advice much appreciated.

John V 1447 Breakaway
 

n6ric

.
Mar 19, 2010
208
It really depends on the marina you are in and the other boats around you. If you're connected to shore power and it's not wired properly (and many aren't)that could kick off the galvantic reaction. You could be perfectly fine and between two boats that aren't and it will impact you. Zinks have been completely eaten away in as little as 3 weeks. Zinks are cheap, easy to install and the best insurance to protect your investment.

Ric
s/v Blue Max
#2692
 
Sep 13, 2002
203
My vega has been in a salt water marina for the last five years without a
haul out, and in salt water with irregular overwintering ashore for 20 years
before that.

The only anode I have is a small one that fits inside the engine (Yanmar 1GM
10, the zinc is the size of a wine bottle cork). I replace the anode every
two or three years. I have no other anodes on the boat.

2-4 weeks shouldn't be a problem.

Something to feel smug about - we kept our boat in the Crinan Canal for
about eight years and never bothered to use antifoul. The fresh water life
couldn't cope with the salt water and vice versa :) Alisdair