Mercathode

[torcano]

My boat has a mercathode system on it. Does the significant consumption of the sterndrive zincs indictate a problem with the mercathode? Is zinc consumption related more to the electrical dock environment?

 

[JustJason]

Re: Mercathode

Does the significant consumption of the sterndrive zincs indictate a problem with the mercathode?

Possibly

Is zinc consumption related more to the electrical dock environment?

possibly

How fast are you burning through zincs? are you going through more than 1 set per year? And where are you boating... gulf of mexico, coast off alaska?

 

[torcano]

Re: Mercathode

I am not sure how long the zincs were on because I just bought the boat but I assume they were changed every year. My bought is in the northeast (N.J.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Mercathode

I am not sure how long the zincs were on because I just bought the boat but I assume they were changed every year. My bought is in the northeast (N.J.

If the boat was used in fresh water, it may have magnesium anodes on it. They will not last long in salt water. In salt, I'm pretty sure you need aluminum anodes. That said, be glad the anodes are breing used, plenty of Mercathode equipped drives have sacrificial bearing carriers...

 

[flargin]

Re: Mercathode

Is zinc consumption related more to the electrical dock environment?

a good article: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/corrosion_in_marinas.htm

I know it can be made worse with your own shore power (or someone else) eating up your electrodes.

Double check your grounds/connections and look for corrosion which could be causing your own problems as well.