Hanging an anode over the side?

[CaptainBob]

I intend to dangle an anode over the side in an attempt to increase the lifespan of my engine, hull and propshaft anodes which aren't exactly vapourising over night - but are wasting away quicker than I'd like.

Couple of questions:

Should I wire the anode to the engine block, the existing hull anode, or both?

The wire I use - I'm assuming the better the conductivity the more effective my plan will be? ie to offer a better link to the engine etc than the existing anode(s)... so thick, copper wire?

What's the best way to make a really good electrical connection to a zinc anode? Can copper be soldered to it?

And finally - to save me drilling a hole through the deck, or running a cable out of the hatch - can I use an existing through deck bolt to link electrically inside to out? This would mean making my entire pushpit, guardrail, and pulpit all part of the circuit... I don't think they currently are electrically connected to anything - continuity to ground fails when tested - but I can't be 100% sure.

Am thinking that if the whole guardrail is wired to the engine or hull anode, I could hang more than one hanging anode from it, in various locations, to do a really effective job.

Many thanks!!

 

[VicS]

Re: Hanging an anode over the sde?

Firstly it wont have any impact on the life of the engine anode but if sensibly placed may extend the life of the hull anodes a little.
The proximity of presumably a copper alloy prop to the prop-shaft anode may well be the overriding factor that determines its lifespan.

The hanging anodes that MG Duff supply are on stainless steel wire.

They should preferably be connected to the underwater bits and pieces they are to protect but for general use to the earthing point to which the other anodes are connected should be satisfactory.

Utilising an existing through deck fitting is an interesting idea. I see no objections provided that you can ensure a good circuit all the way from hanging anode to the existing anodes and underwater fittings.

Beware that you dont spend more on hanging anodes than you save by extending the life of the fixed anodes.

 

[CaptainBob]

Re: Hanging an anode over the sde?

Cheers Vic.

Take your point re not spending too much on the hanging anode, but when you factor in an extra lift-out, lift-in cycle every couple of years due to anode wastage - it's maybe worth quite a bit to have a hanging one.

 

[electrosys]

Re: Hanging an anode over the sde?

If you're eating-up anodes, then I'd have thought that really needs investigating as a priority.
Dunno what your ground tackle is, but if it's all chain, then - unless the chain and fittings are insulated from the earthing circuit - you'll be eating away the galv if anchored for any length of time.

 

[William_H]

Re: Hanging an anode over the sde?

The electrical resistance of the earth circuit for anodes is not really a problem.
Hence stainless steel wire is fine. However wiring should be robust enough to cope with corrosion of the wire itself and the rough handling. Any poor connections are likely to become non connections in the salty environment. So make your best effort at good solid connections and check often with a multimeter for continuity.
Actual proximity to the metal to be protected is vital.This is not always easy with hanging anodes unless you can pull it under the hull nearer the prop etc.
olewill