Engine to anode

[Caladh]

I posted the following yesterday as more information about continuity testing -:

As an aside the engine is NOT connected to the anode (as on my previous yacht) with the brush connection the only one to the anode. There is also an anode on the rudder. All skin fittings and seacocks are now plastic and there is a flexible coupling between gearbox and shaft.


No one commented upon the fact that the engine is not directly connected to the anode. Can I confirm that this shouldn't be a problem as my previous yacht was earth connected this way.

 

[VicS]

I posted the following yesterday as more information about continuity testing -:

As an aside the engine is NOT connected to the anode (as on my previous yacht) with the brush connection the only one to the anode. There is also an anode on the rudder. All skin fittings and seacocks are now plastic and there is a flexible coupling between gearbox and shaft.


No one commented upon the fact that the engine is not directly connected to the anode. Can I confirm that this shouldn't be a problem as my previous yacht was earth connected this way.

You referred to the brush assembly connecting the anode directly to the prop shaft in your opening post.

With that arrangement there is no need for any connection between the engine and the anode. Provided the brushes are maintained in a clean a serviceable condition it should be a better system than one where the anode is connected to the engine block, the flexible shaft coupling bridged and which relies on connectivity through the gearbox components.

No comment was called for

 

[PaulRainbow]

So what is connected to the anode ?

 

[Plum]

I posted the following yesterday as more information about continuity testing -:

As an aside the engine is NOT connected to the anode (as on my previous yacht) with the brush connection the only one to the anode. There is also an anode on the rudder. All skin fittings and seacocks are now plastic and there is a flexible coupling between gearbox and shaft.


No one commented upon the fact that the engine is not directly connected to the anode. Can I confirm that this shouldn't be a problem as my previous yacht was earth connected this way.

Your anode needs to be connected to your shaft. This can be done either by using a brush that is in contact with the rotating shaft or by connecting to the engine and then ensuring there is a bonding wire that connects the two ends of the flexible coupling so as to ensure continuity to the shaft. The later method is dependent on continuity through the oily bearings in the gearbox so mey not be as good a the brush on the shaft. I have fitted both!

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[VicS]

So what is connected to the anode ?

The brush gear, according to the opening post in the previous thread

 

[Caladh]

The brush gear, according to the opening post in the previous thread

That's correct VicS - and thanks for putting my mind at rest. I can now tick that one off !

 

[zoidberg]

The brush gear, according to the opening post in the previous thread

Suggestions, please, for 'brush gear' suited to a small but valued boat....

 

[VicS]

Suggestions, please, for 'brush gear' suited to a small but valued boat....

The only commercially available system that I know of is the MGDuffs Electroeliminator which I referred to in the previous thread. There may be others but that the only one I know. Many people will of course devise and construct there own system.

 

[Plum]

Suggestions, please, for 'brush gear' suited to a small but valued boat....

They are at least £65 to buy but I made my own using a 200mm long strip of springy stainless steel, one end fixed to the boat and the other end has a carbon brush salvaged from a large electric motor with the braided copper wire from the brush soldered to to bonding wire. Adjust so the carbon brush contacts the propshaft with a light pressure. On different boat the anode was close enough so i could bolt the stainless strip directly to the anode stud.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk