Zincs - replace every year or as needed?

[Rocklobster]

This is my first spring with a inboard boat.

Should I replace all the zincs or do you replace them when they wear down? I notice the one on the hull looks pretty decent but I'm not sure if I shoud change it anyway.

Any thought's would be appreciated.

Many thanks, Joe

 

[Red Stripe]

Hey Rocklobster - I have always replaced them seasonaly in fresh or salt water. It is certainly one of the less expensive maintenence items we deal with and it will preclude you from having to deal with it mid-season as they continue to wear. Now if the temps here in the Northeast would just stay above freezing! Are you on The Sound or Candlewood?

 

[Sea Gull]

I also replace them annually in the spring and usually again in August if needed.

 

[Rocklobster]

Thanks Guys. I'll change them all out. I think I'll get them at boatzincs.com

I'm on the sound. Sure is cold this morning! Hopefully it won't rain a lot like it did last year.

.....Joe

 

[comsnark]

I have a dumb zinc question:

I know you are not supposed to paint zincs. What about the surface it is mounted to?

I have a pair of Alpha one drives. Most of the zincs are on shiney bits -> No prob. But two pieces (the gimball is one, the other is the curved part that sits at the front of the drive, close to the hull) in the back look like the surfaces underneath will want to be painted. Anyone have thoughts on this?

The Gimball looks newish. . and painted (last time I let Marine Max paint my boat), and the other part looks decently consumed. I have not pulled it yet to inspect underneath.

 

[fwebster]

Asking questions without giving us the specifics of boat type almost always affects the quality or thoroughness of the answers you get.

Zinc changing schedules will be a financial decision depending upon the size boat you have. Most find it is cheaper to do it at a regular haulout....... 30 minutes work + the cost of the zincs......rather that pay a diver or try to do it under water mid season. Sea Ray zincs will last a year, unless there is a bonding problem on the boat or erant electricity getting into the water near your slip.

Once again, depending upon boat size, it may not be cost efficient to buy one set of zincs online due to the shipping cost. I find it cheaper to buy at retail at a local chandlery (not the Sea Ray dealer) off the water. He buys in bulk and gets his shipments by common carrier so the freight is negligable.

On the paint question, Don't put the zincs on a painted surface. The paint insulates the zinc annode from making contact with the surface it is supposed to protect and defeats the purpose of having zincs. Be sure the zinc contact points touch good clean metal when you put them on.

 

[comsnark]

Fwebster: Thanks. Thats what I thought. Just wanted to make sure before I got to work.