Mercathode Is it worth it ???

[jy118lfd]

99 Alpha drive.Approx 200hrs, Its been wet slipped summers from 1999 to 2002, then out of the water winterized till last june when I purchased the boat. I commisioned it last year and trailered it the whole year cause of all the work I wanted to do to it. Now got her back in tip top shape and I am going to slip her this year.

There is presently no corossion whatsoever on the drive in fact it looks new except for the stickers. I would like to keep it that way. It will be slipped in brackish water (mostly fresh) and run in the ocean most of april thru dec. Whould the 100.00 bucks spent on a mercathode kit be money well spent??
How does it work?

 

[jy118lfd]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

Also is there an online service manual for this engine
1999 5.0l alpha Gen2 220hp

 

[stevieray]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

jy - I would say Mercathode would only really help if you are using a stainless prop. To try to explain it simply, it uses the boat's battery to introduce a counter current in attempt to cancel out any corrosion potential.

Google "galvanic corrosion" for a complete explanation - there is a ton of info on the web.

The sacrificial anodes alone will do an adequate job of corrosion protection if you have an aluminum prop. Just make sure to put on a fresh set of anodes(use the Merc aluminum kit - it has the factory spec materials).

How do you plan to handle marine growth?

 

[jy118lfd]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

I was going to use Trilux drive paint for growth. The area I am going does not have a barnacle problem just alge.

The boat was my brother's father inlaw's boat and he used clear antifoul but you can't seem to get it anymore.

I have a alumnium prop but was thinking the more protection the better. As I stated above the boat was in the drink for two years and had no real corossion so I guess you are right that the anodes seem to cover it.

On second thought I did add Stainless trim tabs and they are quite large. :%
Maybe I will just add it.
Thanks for the reply

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

On second thought I did add Stainless trim tabs and they are quite large. :%
Maybe I will just add it.
Thanks for the reply

Did you place Zincs on the Trim Tabs? I just finished Installing a pair of 9x24 Bennetts. I installed zincs as suggested by the Manufacturer.

 

[jy118lfd]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

I don't have anodes on them cause it was trailered last year, but will be installing them before putting her in a slip. They are lenco tabs and they also recommended anodes for wet slip.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

I would definately invest in a MerCathode for any moored boat, and a battery switch too. Shutting the battery off can do a lot to slow the process to a trickle (the MerCathode would need to remain connected). If you plug the boat into shore power, unplug it whenever possible. Convince your neighbors to do likewise. It would be better for their boat too.

You might consider clear-coating the tabs, at least the tops. But keep a bare contact area for the anodes.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

I don't have anodes on them cause it was trailered last year, but will be installing them before putting her in a slip. They are lenco tabs and they also recommended anodes for wet slip.

My boat is trailered also and I asked the Marine store near my home and the West Marine Store near where I have my boat stored both mentioned the need of Zincs even on a trailered boat with Tabs. They said they could be smaller than ones they would recommend if the boat was slipped but they should be installed regardless. Considering their cost, I did not object.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Mercathode Is it worth it ???

Considering their cost, I did not object.

Perhaps that is why they told you that .)