Anodes?

[stukno]

Hi All,
Would someone straighten me out on the subject of anodes please. The boat is a larch plank oak frame double header, 18ft, with a Lister single aircooled diesel inbaord. Copper nails, some steel keel bolts, stainless prop shaft, brass / bronze prop. Currently no sacrificial anode.
Do I need to fit one? Where should it fit (If required) Should it be connected to the prop shaft or any other parts?

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[Peterduck]

Have a nice little mixture of metals there, haven't you? Firstly, not all boats require an anode. If there is no sign of wastage of the propeller then there's a good chance that you won't need to fit one. If there is signs of wastage or erosion of the prop. or any other exposed metalwork, fit an anode so that it is connected electrically to the part which is suffering, and so that it is in line of sight with it. The connection can be either inside the boat or along the surface of the hull, whichever gives the best connection. If the connection is to be outside the hull, use a strip of copper sheet. You can put bends in this by folding it over. Secure it with closely-set small copper nails. If you fit a "teardrop" shaped anode, the shap end goes to the stern. Try to make sure that there is a clearance between the zinc and the timber. Don't forget to check your rudder fittings for corrosion too.
Peter.

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[SteamShipW]

You'll hear some old timers say no and some say yes. I'd (middle timer) say yes, you will save your engine, skin fittings and fastenings by adding an anode. I have found the people at M G Duff (www.mgduff.co.uk/) very helpful over the phone. Worth a call I'd say.


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