Why zinc on boats

For that current to exist, one of the metals has to physically give up pieces of itself metal ions to create the electrons and feed the current.

This process of metal deterioration through electrical activity is known as Galvanic Corrosion. To stop Galvanic Corrosion from destroying your underwater metals you would have to disrupt the process of your boats metals sacrificing themselves to the electrical current. Sacrificial Anodes are metals that are quicker to give up pieces of themselves in order to protect your underwater metals, and are most commonly made from Zinc, as it is the best alloy for protecting boats in seawater — hence, boaters refer to Sacrificial Anodes as Zincs.

However, there are a lot of variables that factor into the effectiveness of your zinc anodes, salinity, temperature, pollution levels, stray current, and water flow play a big part in the depletion of your anodes. Usually, diligent monitoring of your sacrificial anodes through trial and error will let you know the right amount of zinc to use. Beware of using too much zinc. If you use too much zinc the anode will develop a crust, get fouled and stop working.

Too much zinc may also cause over protection. Over protection on an aluminum hull or outdrive can also be destructive. Basically, you need to prevent galvanic corrosion and electrolysis before they happen. Anodes are one of your best weapons, but there are others. Electrical faults can be devastating.

Bad shore power, especially the ground lead, are real dangers. Salt water is an electrically conducive solution and your boat is always in it.

All the underwater items on your boat can fall prey to a stray electric current or a bad electrical circuit. Although the process sounds both dangerous to deal with, preparation is key. Prepare your boat ahead of time and you should be fine. Keep things clean and orderly, make use of anodes, and be aware of what metal is located where. Also make sure your wiring and power is being monitored. My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own.

As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure. Categories : Boats. Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Navigation Boat Safe. About Ian My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own.

Robert Hogward on September 24, Thanks for a marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. The 10 Best Boat Trailer Lights of How to Fish for Bass: Beginners Guide. About Contact Privacy Policy. To slow down the process of corrosion, vessels need to implement methods of cathode protection. Cathode protection comes in multiple forms, including plating, galvanizing, and sacrificial anodes.

Made up of highly active metals with more negative electrochemical potential than the metals they are used to protect, anodes attract electrolytes.

The oxidation reactions are then transferred from the metal surface of your hull to the anode, which will be sacrificed to galvanic corrosion. Sacrificial anodes need to be replaced regularly for continued effectiveness. The certified yacht technicians at our Fort Lauderdale boatyard and marina have plenty of experience replacing sacrificial anodes and proving other underwater dockside services , including boat bottom cleaning. A sacrificial anode is an inexpensive piece of metal that is less noble than any other metal found on the boat.

Bolting a sacrificial anode made from zinc, aluminum or magnesium located near the top of the Galvanic Sequence to the stainless prop shaft will protect a bronze prop from galvanic corrosion. The effectiveness of an anode depends on a good electrical connection, and is directly proportional to its surface area. As it corrodes away its surface area and effectiveness diminishes.

Some manufacturers suggest replacing anodes when they are two thirds gone, but we recommend replacing them when half-eroded or half-dissolved. If an anode is allowed to dissolve completely, the next least noble piece of metal in the circuit will start to dissolve. And that might be a part of your engine. Galvanic corrosion can also happen in a single piece of hardware, particularly alloys, which contain more than one metal.