Dangly anode advice?

RobWales

RobWales

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 Sep 2006
Messages
1,963
Location
Gran Canaria
www.3ksengineering.com
Hi,

I have just aquired a large zinc anode..........approx 12x4x2 inches

To try and save my drive anodes would it be worth me dangling this off my stern, to be in use only when boat is on its berth and taken in before motoring off.

If it is worth it then what should I attatch it to and by what method?

Thanks
Rob
 
Hi Rob,

There is no point just hanging an anode "over the back" without it being connected to the earth system on the boat. I do just this, but I have connected a cleat with insulated wire to the galvanic isolator, if you haven't got a galvanic isolater you can wire to the back of any fixed hull anode.
 
so for us idiots can you make that easy.

You basicaly get a big anode and use a good wire and run it to the negative of your battery is this correct.

How will I know if I have a Galvanic isolater, I do not recall seeing one.
 
Noooo, Do not connect it to the negative on the battery.....

It needs to be connected to the bonding system on the boat, it is better placed/hung near the equipment that you are trying to protect.

Bonding systems are black magic and need some careful checking. A word with a wise one may help you to understand the theory of it all but be warned, what worked last year may not work this year and wood boats are even more difficult to get right.
 
It must be suspended close to the drive to be effective and it should be bonded with a decent electrical connection to the drive. Don't bank on it extending the life of your fixed anodes by very much, but it'll be good back up if they fizz away at a time when you are unable to replace them.

The hanging anodes supplied by MG Duff have a stainless steel wire incorporated. HERE

Re galvanic isolator Any boat that is left connected to a shorepower supply, even if the supply is not in use, is very likely to need a galvanic isolator. This is a device fitted in the earth connection as it comes in and blocks currents from low voltage galvanic sources that can cause excessive corrosion and in particular rapid wastage of anodes (Hence sometimes called a zinc saver). It does not block currents from high voltage sources and therefore does not affect the safety aspects of the earth connection.

Anodes, fixed and hanging, and galvanic isolators are discussed regularly and often at great length on the Reader to Reader forum. I suggest that searches for both topics will find lots of useful info.
 
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