Hanging anode advice

[jon and michie]

Hi I am thinking of making a hanging anode - am I right in thinking that I can use some of my old anodes?
Once it is in the water do I need to connect this to the negative on one of my batteries?
All advice welcomed.

Jon

 

[pagoda]

Hi I am thinking of making a hanging anode - am I right in thinking that I can use some of my old anodes?
Once it is in the water do I need to connect this to the negative on one of my batteries?
All advice welcomed.

Jon

What do you want to protect? It won't do anything unless it is fairly close to the item needing protection and has a good clean electrical contact with it *inboard somewhere" Our last boat had all the through hull metal fittings connected by quite heavy gauge wire, engine included. We inherited the system so continued to hang about a 2 Kg zinc off the aft end. ( when in marinas we were protected by a galvanic isolator). The big zinc never showed much sign of consumption so the benefit is mostly unknown. Shaft anodes still eroded at the same sort of rate- lasted a season. I have read comments about NEVER linking up through hull components, due to possible galvanic potential differences between them. With 2Kg of zinc in the same water, that should matter less? Some deeper investigation of what you want to save sounds in order?

 

[VicS]

Hi I am thinking of making a hanging anode - am I right in thinking that I can use some of my old anodes?
Once it is in the water do I need to connect this to the negative on one of my batteries?
All advice welcomed.

Jon

I believe you have a power boat with an outdrive.

If you intend the hanging anode to supplement the fitted anodes then connect it directly to the part(s) of the outdrive you want it to protect.

Dont forget its is there though .......... its stainless steel hanging wire entwined with a duoprop may not make your day!

 

[superheat6k]

Yes you can use old pear or block anodes with plenty of zinc left. However, avoid having a direct connection to copper under the water, instead I use a stainless strop that connects to thick copper above the water. This then connects to the bonding circuit which should include the battery - VE. I dangle it in the vicinity of the props to about the same depth between the boat and the pontoon, with the weight taken by the stainless strop and a rope tie direct to the boat.

Having the other end of the rope attached to the steering wheel or ignition reminds you to haul it in before you leave the mooring.

Be aware that a Galvanic Isolator does not protect excessive zinc wear / electrolysis from all situations.

 

[jon and michie]

Many thanks for the replies - I now have a better idea of what I am going to do
Thanks again
Jon