zinc tab

[dinghy berry]

Hi just had a question concerning these tabs i have a 2002 alpha outdrive my question is i see some boats running without these tabs do they have any effect on your steering or are they just there to help stop corrosion i have never ran a boat without one so i don't know the difference.
thanks Rich

 

[Uraijit]

Re: zinc tab

The tabs will have a mild effect. In fact, when you install the tabs, you generally turn them out slightly, to counteract the rotation of the prop, and keep you moving in a straight line.

It's REALLY stupid to run without one anyway though, because if your "zincs" aren't corroding, something else is...

 

[dinghy berry]

Re: zinc tab

Thanks for the info..funny u mention they are usually off alignment a little for the rotation of the prop,,mine was and i lined it straight..oh well didn't notice much difference but i will put it back the way it was...
thanks a lot
Rich

 

[bhammer]

Re: zinc tab

Thanks for the info..funny u mention they are usually off alignment a little for the rotation of the prop,,mine was and i lined it straight..oh well didn't notice much difference but i will put it back the way it was...

Does your boat have power steering? If it does, you can go with a flat zink instead of the fin. If not, the fin helps to couteract the torque of the prop. Most people will notice the difference between one installed and not if they do not have P/S.