some zinc pictures

[ram]

I've had the 85 Hatt Conv for 2 years and every 7 months I have changed the zincs so far. The
main hull zinc has lasted 1 1/2 years and still going strong. My copper bonding strap is
looking rough in spots but I have a new roll and will attempt to replace it this summer. Just thought I would post some pictures.

 

[magnawake]

Thats not too bad for 7 months.

 

[fissioneng]

I agree.

 

[ram]

That's what I was thinking too. The one eaten away the most was on the trim tab. The shaft zinc
that turned black had me worried a little, but last time they were ready too fall off.

 

[mdshore]

not bad. might want to upsize or add a grouper zinc when docked. you are using martyr aluminum anodes which are more sacrificial.. thats good, and they dont last as long ( not what you want)

 

[fissioneng]

Do you keep shore power plugged in all the time?

 

[saltshaker]

Not too bad considering the quality of the anodes you're using. Get better zincs and you may see a year of service out of them.

 

[Angela]

What are the "better" zincs and where can I get them? I pretty sure I'm using Camp at the moment, but not 100% certain.

 

[saltshaker]

What are the "better" zincs and where can I get them? I pretty sure I'm using Camp at the moment, but not 100% certain.

Camps are junk. Get the Zimar zincs from Deep Blue Yacht Supply. I like the HD rudder zincs they sell. Great co. to do business with.
http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/zinc-anodes/rudder-zincs/ModelNumber/R-5 HD

B&S are excellent too but a bit more than the Zimars but I hadn't noticed a difference in performance. B&S fasteners are a bit nicer too.
http://www.bandszincs.com/

 

[GJH]

X2 on the Zimars and Deep Blue, both of which I learned about here several years ago.
I once had occasion to do a side by side comparison with Camps and Zimars, due to some miscommunication with the yard. 2 tabs, 2 shaft, 1 rudder on each side. I wouldn't call the Camps "junk", but the Zimars, being denser were in slightly, but noticeably better condition when we pulled the boat about 10 months later (our monthly diver kept us apprised of condition as time went on). 8 months to a year were about what we got once we settled down in Morehead City. Before that, in our cruising days, it was all over the map.Some "hot" marinas and harbors, some not.

 

[brico]

I use my GoPro camera with waterproof case to check on zincs on regular basis. When they are observed becoming too thin and about to fall off I haul out and replace. No need divers to check.

 

[ram]

Thanks, you guys are great. Yes I am plugged in all the time. And next time I'll try the Zimar and let you know.

 

[rsmith]

Zinmars last about a month longer for me than the camps. I get 4 months out of the zinks. I DO NOT wait till they dissapear as I've had the shaft zinks fly back and wack the props. Frank Ward of Wards Marine electric told me when we first bought the boat that if your zinks are not being depleted something else is.

 

[MikeP]

"Frank Ward of Wards Marine electric told me when we first bought the boat that if your zinks are not being depleted something else is."

Right…which makes me wonder that if you get zincs that "last longer," is it because they are better at protecting the boat or just better at protecting themselves…at the boat's expense? For that matter, what would make one brand of zinc better than another brand? I have always used whatever is readily and locally available. Our zincs last about 5-6 months. I haven't noticed any difference in different brands. For winterizing I attach two guppies in addition to the normal zincs.

 

[saltshaker]

"Frank Ward of Wards Marine electric told me when we first bought the boat that if your zinks are not being depleted something else is."

Right…which makes me wonder that if you get zincs that "last longer," is it because they are better at protecting the boat or just better at protecting themselves…at the boat's expense? For that matter, what would make one brand of zinc better than another brand? I have always used whatever is readily and locally available. Our zincs last about 5-6 months. I haven't noticed any difference in different brands. For winterizing I attach two guppies in addition to the normal zincs.

It's the quality of the anode that makes a difference. Better anodes like the Zimars or B&S have more metal in them. They are heavier and more importantly, are solid with little to no voids. If the zincs are disipating at a steady rate then they are doing thier job. I found that the lower quality zincs would deteriorate rapidly once they started to disipate. I'm guessing this has a lot to due with them being porous and getting beat up when the boat is running. The better zincs seem to wear more evenly. I switched over years ago when I had the 46C. I used to change the zincs mid season or after about 3-4 months. Once I switched to better zincs, I could make it through the entire season without having to change them. I get almost a full year on the 65. I'm guessing that has to do with the size of the zincs. 3 1/2" shaft zincs are pretty hefty.

 

[GJH]

I use my GoPro camera with waterproof case to check on zincs on regular basis. When they are observed becoming too thin and about to fall off I haul out and replace. No need divers to check.

Places where I kept my boat, usually needed a diver to clean the bottom and running gear as often as monthly. So zinc checking and replacing came with it. Lucky you if you are in a place with no growth!