Anode for lead/iron keel????

[slipknot]

Just read in another thread the suggestion that there should be an anode ‘protecting’ an iron keel with lead bulb. The manufacturer didn’t fit one on mine. Does it need one and how would you fit it if it did?

 

[Old Harry]

Anodes not needed on Cast Iron or Lead,but steel yes

 

[lpdsn]

Just read in another thread the suggestion that there should be an anode ‘protecting’ an iron keel with lead bulb. The manufacturer didn’t fit one on mine. Does it need one and how would you fit it if it did?

Was that my post?

There's a tapped hole drilled in each side of the iron part of the keel - they don't quite line up. Just bolt on the anodes. All the signs are that it's as built.

 

[Quandary]

Sigma 38s were a popular boat and there are still a lot about after 30 years. The 'mickey mouse ear' shape keel was iron at the top with the bottom half lead, never saw a keel anode on any of them or any evidence that one was needed.

 

[vyv_cox]

It would be quite unusual to see anodes on keels, although some owners choose to fit them. Keels are there for only one purpose - weight. Rust is actually heavier than iron or steel, so its only negative is its appearance. Paint provides perfectly adequate protection from both rust and poor appearance. A little attention each winter is usually enough to keep keels up to standard.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

It would be quite unusual to see anodes on keels, although some owners choose to fit them. Keels are there for only one purpose - weight. Rust is actually heavier than iron or steel, so its only negative is its appearance. Paint provides perfectly adequate protection from both rust and poor appearance. A little attention each winter is usually enough to keep keels up to standard.

My boat has two threaded holes in the iron (or cast iron, don't know which) keel and there has always been an anode on each side which I renew every year - they definately corode away to nothing. The keel is epoxied and anti-fouled ... question is do I really need these anodes? Boat is a 1999 Bavaria 36 - the keel was sand blasted and epoxied after rust bubbles appeared under some of the old anti-fouling.

 

[DownWest]

Can't be anything other than cast. I have to deal with wrought iron on restoration projects . Nightmare.
Lovely stuff, but difficult to weld and the raw material is no longer available, except from Ironbridge at Public funding prices only..

 

[vyv_cox]

My boat has two threaded holes in the iron (or cast iron, don't know which) keel and there has always been an anode on each side which I renew every year - they definately corode away to nothing. The keel is epoxied and anti-fouled ... question is do I really need these anodes? Boat is a 1999 Bavaria 36 - the keel was sand blasted and epoxied after rust bubbles appeared under some of the old anti-fouling.

I would expect the anodes to disappear quickly with a big cathode driving the reaction. Question is - are they doing any good? I doubt it, cast iron lasts pretty well on its own, so I would paint and keep the anode money in your pocket.

 

[lpdsn]

I would expect the anodes to disappear quickly with a big cathode driving the reaction. Question is - are they doing any good? I doubt it, cast iron lasts pretty well on its own, so I would paint and keep the anode money in your pocket.

Hi Vyv, I'm surprised at that. As far as I can tell with a quick check on the web, lead and cast iron are far enough apart on the galvanic series to be an issue.

 

[vyv_cox]

Hi Vyv, I'm surprised at that. As far as I can tell with a quick check on the web, lead and cast iron are far enough apart on the galvanic series to be an issue.

Lead passivates rapidly in air and aerated water. Galvanic corrosion with iron is close to non-existent.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I would expect the anodes to disappear quickly with a big cathode driving the reaction. Question is - are they doing any good? I doubt it, cast iron lasts pretty well on its own, so I would paint and keep the anode money in your pocket.

Thanks. ☺