P Bracket Protection

[robbieg]

In common with ,I suspect, many others my boat has a stainless steel P Bracket. Its not bonded to my main anode system & is isolated from the prop shaft anode by the rubber cutlass bearing. I've only recently bought the boat but historically the P Brackett has been antifouled. Looking round the boatyard this seems to be pretty common ie antifouled P Brackets. However someone I know whose buying a similar boat has been told that the P bracket should have the antifoul taken off to prevent corrosion.

2 questions:
1. How do others protect their P Brackets?
2. Why does removing antifoul help with reducing corrosion?

Thanks.


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[jerryat]

Hi!
I don't understand the argument for not anti-fouling a 'P' bracket, and have a/f'd mine on each boat over many years with no problem.

With regard bonding, I think it should be bonded back to the main hull anode thus bring it to the same potential as other 'thru hulls' and reducing or eliminating the risk of cathodic corrosion on the OTHER parts, s/s being the most noble (boatwise) on the cathodic table.

I've always done this (doesn't necessarily mean it's right of course, though I think it is!) and was pleased to see my bronze 'P' bracket excellently bonded (by Westerly from new) on my Fulmar when I bought her many moons ago. Again this is taken back to the main hull anode.

Hope this helps

Good sailing!

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[Sam_Salter]

I've got a 1977 C&C 26. It spent the first 24 years of its life in the Pacific.
The "P" bracket has never been bonded to the rest of the fittings. I think it's original & it's in almost perfect condition. It is however antifouled.
One other thought - if you don't antifoul the bracket, the small grub screws that hold the cutlass bearing into the bracket will not last a season.

Sam Salter
C&C 26 Skye II
Ghost Lake Alberta.

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