Anodes - connecting to what?

[hisw]

Hi

just wanting to know the opinion of the forum. Who connects what to the anodes.

I am at presently rewiring and was thinking of connecting the engine, gearbox and rudder post.

Do I need to include the skin fittings as well?

Thanks for your help

H

 

[Seanick]

Don't connect your skin fittings. Used to be fashionable in the eighties but can cause more problems than you are trying to solve.

 

[pvb]

Seanick's right - don't connect skin fittings.

 

[hisw]

what about the engine water intake? I have seen boats with this connected would you advise against this as well?

thanks

 

[VicS]

Don't connect any nonferrous fittings to your main anode system.

If necessary, to protect brass fittings for example, they should be independently connected to their own anode(s)

Generally items which require protection must be bonded to anodes with a good low resistance electrical connection. The anode(s) must be reasonably close to them and "within line of sight". The latter need not be taken too literally as the electrical current flows around curves etc but they must not be totally shielded, by a keel for example.

MGDuff's website has a fair bit of good info and advice: www.mgduff.co.uk

Engine protection is a separate issue and is achieved by internal anodes.

Likewise saildrives and stern drives are a separate issue having their own anodes.