Just Lifted Out

[emandvee44]

Lots of bad weather on the way so managed to bring forward our lift out.
This is what we found. Hull very clean (thanks Coppercoat), and the propeller a lot better than last year, except for the anodes. The nose anode was missing, but the bolts were still in place, and the ring anode severely depleted - and this after only six months afloat, but marina based. We have a galvanic isolator, and usually leave the shore power cable attached, but switched off.
Any suggestions welcome!

Michael.

 

[pvb]

We have a galvanic isolator, and usually leave the shore power cable attached, but switched off.

I always disconnect the shore power cable when I leave the boat. No galvanic isolator, and no undue anode loss.

 

[sarabande]

are those definitely zinc anodes, and not by chance magnesium ? I'm trying to eliminate a wild card.

 

[VicS]

Small anodes attached to a big area of a copper alloy prop are going to be consumed pretty quickly... dissimilar metals and all that stuff.

More worrying that the ring anode on the leg is going quickly.

A galvanic isolator is next to essential if you leave the shorepower connected, even if not in use.

Better to unplug it if possible when its not in use. The GI should prevent problems but if it is unplugged there cannot be any problems associated with it.

 

[emandvee44]

Anode loss

are those definitely zinc anodes, and not by chance magnesium ? I'm trying to eliminate a wild card.

The anode was supplied by Brunton's (the only source as far as I know), and I have written to them for an opinion. I assume it is zinc. One of the problems is design, as there is very little 'meat' outside the bolt holes, but the body of the anode is solid material. I believe Brunton's used to supply plastic bolts at one time. I will post their comments in due course.
Although we do have a galvanic isolator, I will disconnect the shore power lead in future, although next year we expect to be moving a lot!
The prop was polished before launching - no special treatment, but is much cleaner than the previous year. I bought some Dr. Barnacle which will be applied next Spring.

Thanks,

Michael.

ps this was the prop. just before launching in April

 

[Victoria Sponge]

We stay in all the year round, as we have coppercoat. This gives us the chance for a sail when the weather is ok all through the year. Very often you get nice days late in the year, and early. We've sailed in December and very nice it was too.

 

[davidwf]

I always paint the bolt holes on my Brunton anode with some old car touch up paint, this helps to prevent the area around the bolts corroding too fast.

 

[emandvee44]

Just lifted out - update

Removed the propeller and this is the volvo ring anode, about 60% depleted, so it has been working! Thankfully the propeller has not suffered any galvanic action damage - a big relief. Still waiting for a reply from Brunton's.

Cheers,

Michael.