Zincs on a 1997 330 Sundancer

[Firefly]

I'm pretty sure I have this right, but thought I would double check here.

My 330 DA should have only 3 zincs; 1 on each trim tab, and 1 hull zinc. Isn't that correct?

I know that a lot of people also recommend putting zincs on the shafts and I'm going to do that at the next haul out, but I just wanted to verify what my diver said he found. And that's the 2 trim tab zincs and 1 hull zinc.

 

[Alex D]

Not sure how yours is rigged, but often there are also zincs on each prop shaft and a couple on the bottom of the hull for the bonding system and aft the engines.

 

[estebanj]

Check your rudders as well. Some have disc zincs on them.

Esteban

 

[fwebster]

Your boat is correct.

The only hull zinc is the big one on the transom. The other metal plate on the hull is the ground block and is part of the boat's bonding system.

Sea Ray doesn't use zincs on the rudders and shafts any longer, however, I'm not sure I agree with their theory on shaft zincs. Sea Ray says the shafts and rudders are connected to the bonding system by the mechanical connection at the coupler and transmission. That connection is vis bearings and clutch plates all with some degree of clearance between mating parts. Why risk corrosion exposure for the few $ in savings you have by leaving off shaft zincs. I've always used them.

 

[Firefly]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Thanks fwebster. I thought Firefly was correct, at least as Sea Ray had set her up. I just wanted to confirm what my diver saw.

Also, when I get pulled this winter, I'm going to add prop shaft zincs since that seems to be the consensus here.

My only fear now is that it sounds like prop zincs need to be installed correctly. And I have absolutely no confidence in the quality of work I can get done down here in Key West. :smt009

 

[fwebster]

Putting zincs on a boat ain't brain surgery!

If you have question, post them here, a lot of us have done it more than once.

 

[estebanj]

For the shaft zincs, make sure you have bare metal. Put the zincs on and tighten. Then use a rubber mallet (sp?) to tap each half a few times and tighten again.

Normally they go 6 inches or so before the strut (prop, strut, zinc).

Any mechanic can do this, or DIY and save on labor cost.

Esteban