Old Houseboater,

I was wondering if you know anything about anode plates for aluminum. The bottom of our boat has 6 anode plates and they run a trickle current through our hull. There are gauges that look like volt meters on the helm wall that tells how much current is going through the boat. When our boat was being shipped one of the anodes got damaged. Do you know where to get them. The ones we have are 6 to 8 inches round and they have what looks like a glass dome in the middle. Also, what do you do if the reading on the gauges gets low? Any input or info would be welcomed.



Our boat is on the hard now and we have many winter projects to do because in the spring we want it to be ship shape. We are replacing waste tanks and toilet, which means ripping up the bedroom floor. We are rebuilding the flybridge. Replacing all gauges in helm and fly. Installing a inverter (1200 plus). Also, a 10m amp, 12v system charger. A new marine radio as well. All of the above we have purchased. I think for Christmas we might give up any major presents and but the GPS and depth sounder. Aye yiye!!!!! I think we have spent so much already now I know why so many people name their boats things like....the money pit, Arm and Leg, Easy Money, etc. Well, it's been a fun summer and we have met many new friends at the marina. Well, I won't keep blabbering. I'll wait to here back from you.

Debbie
shorty33138631.6695138889

It would help if you could tell us the make and year of your boat. Are you in fresh or salt water, etc?

Battery charger: Don't recognize the model#. what brand is it? Make sure it is an automatic marine unit and not automotive. Automotive types are not electrically isolated and can cause your boat to dissapear. 10 amp seems a little light for marine use.

Anodes: your boat is probably equipped with zinc anodes. If its just a little chunk knocked out of it don't worry about it. New zincs can be obtained from any marine supply store or catalog.

Cathodic protection system: Low readings usually can be corrected by making sure all connections are clean and tight and a cleaning of your anodes. If your anodes are connected to the cathodic protection system system there may be something unique about them. What brand of system do you have? Capac was popular a few years ago. Don't know about glass dome in center, usually the attachment bolt is in the center of the anode.

Note: Magnesium anodes are currently popular for fresh water where significant problems exist. However, I don't consider them necessary unless you have rapid anode depletion and sensitive outdrives (such as Bravo IIIs) Don't mix zinc and mag anodes.

This site may be of interest to you.

http://www.yandina.com/electrolysis.htm