anodes and copper deterioration

[sundancer9000]

Friend of mine has an old (30 yr old) motor cruiser more of a work boat, small cabin, room for 1 person sitting on an bar stool, loa 35 ft. In her previous life she was used as a lough neagh eel fishing boat. Perkins deisel shaft drive old but has very up to date radar,gps,dsc etc.. problem is wiring has suffered this winter despite constant use. And i mean constant! The frost didnt have time to set on this vessel. A local marine mechanic claims the lack of anodes on this vessel has caused the whole electrical system to suffer into disrepair! Bearing in mind this boat has only ever been in fresh water and has been professionally 'wired' and updated recently(3 yrs ago) What is wrong? Furthermore do anodes save internal electrics and is fresh water different than salt when it comes to anodes?

 

[carlton]

...and is fresh water different than salt when it comes to anodes?

Freshwater anodes are usually magnesium, whereas saltwater ones should be zinc. Can't explain the effect of anodes on internal wiring, though.

Could it just be down to the age of the boat's wiring?

 

[aquatom]

Anodes have no effect on internal wiring!

Unless the anodes are on the inside of the hull and the boat is full of water!

 

[Drifter]

If the conditions are right, a galvanic reaction will occur when dis-similar metals are in contact. A wiring harness and/or instrument panel will be very difficult to protect with anodes but provided they are dry or moisture free they should not suffer galvanic reaction. On the other hand, if dampness becomes a problem the circuitry will certainly deteriorate at the earths and connection points.