Woah there - if you are not consuming the anodes ...

[Skybolt]

Previously commented:

Your boat is probably bonded correctly and with proper maintenance on the engines. So your zincs technically aren't doing much. That's not the case for most people. My zincs aren't doing much either, when I replace them they are pretty much like new, but I replace them yearly anyway.

And Response ...

Woah there - if you are not consuming the anodes you have bigger problems. New thread....

So I do consume anodes, but they are barely eaten away, not like on a boat with improper bonding would show. I am also in brackish water and have thought of switching "zinc" type. What am I missing there?

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[NorCalRobert]

Following

 

[Pirate Lady]

Sky, you are a little below me, little more salt. I’ve seen jellyfish by you that we never see here only what maybe 20 miles north.
Side note- I just learned this year the upper bay is really close to fresh water.
I use aluminum and they get ate pretty good, in fact if I do a short haul by July, I replace them.
Best thing is poll the slip neighbors and local mechanics.

 

[mrsrobinson]

I have read here aluminum is good as well

 

[ttmott]

Previously commented:


And Response ...


So I do consume anodes, but they are barely eaten away, not like on a boat with improper bonding would show. I am also in brackish water and have thought of switching "zinc" type. What am I missing there?

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A healthy bonding system sacrifices the anodes rather than other metals; the idea is all of the galvanic current ends up carrying away the anode ions rather than your trim tab ions; this is one of the principal functions of the bonding system. So, if a boat is not consuming their anodes then something else is being consumed; the bonding system is malfunctioning. Every situation is different as the electrical current around the boat is different; but there is electrical current. So, if a boat with a solid bonding system is in a slip where there is a lot of electrical potential then that boats anodes will deteriorate much quicker but the important metals are not damaged - that is a sign of a healthy bonding system..... I would rather see my anodes gone in two months to reveal problems in the water than I never have to change them then find out the tips of my props are gone.....

 

[NorCalRobert]

I have zinc anodes in my Cummins QSC but I am in fresh water 90% of the time so I think I should use magnesium but can’t find those anywhere

 

[b_arrington]

I have zinc anodes in my Cummins QSC but I am in fresh water 90% of the time so I think I should use magnesium but can’t find those anywhere

BoatZincs.com carries magnesium engine anodes.

 

[Skybolt]

A healthy bonding system sacrifices the anodes rather than another metals; the idea is all of the galvanic current ends up carrying away the anode ions rather than your trim tab ions; this is one of the principal functions of the bonding system. So, if a boat is not consuming their anodes then something else is being consumed; the bonding system is malfunctioning. Every situation is different as the electrical current around the boat is different; but there is electrical current. So, if a boat with a solid bonding system is in a slip where there is a lot of electrical potential then that boats anodes will deteriorate much quicker but the important metals are not damaged - that is a sign of a healthy bonding system..... I would rather see my anodes gone in two months to reveal problems in the water than I never have to change them then find out the tips of my props are gone.....

Ah, I totally agree on shaft and tab anodes and the like. But in the other thread I was referring to the engine anode(s) which typically do not erode as quickly as the external ones do unless the boats bonding system is defunct, at least from my experience.

 

[NorCalRobert]

BoatZincs.com carries magnesium engine anodes.

Just checked they don’t have the correct ones in magnesium

 

[bbwhitejr]

Just checked they don’t have the correct ones in magnesium

You should take a look at Navalloy anodes by Performance Metals. They are aluminum and would likely sere you well.

Bennett

 

[b_arrington]

Just checked they don’t have the correct ones in magnesium

QSC uses 4 size E-2 (5/8 x 2") and 2 size E-1G (1/2 x 1").

Boatzincs lists as carrying the E-2's in magnesium, but back ordered until early April. They don't carry the E-1G, but do have E-1F, listed at 1 1/4" long. Those may fit in the oil/fuel cooler. Worst case you could trim off the excess 1/4".

If it fits the longer anode might be good anyway. The fuel/oil cooler anodes wear so darn fast.