Transom Zinc Plate?

[Elizabeth Ann]

Hi All,

Do any of you have a large transom zinc plate on your 28TE?

For the past two seasons we have pretty much depleted our rudder, tabs, and shaft zinc. I'm thinking about installing a large zinc on the transom, has anyone done this? Any thoughts?

Cheers.

[jcollins]

Hi EA,
It sounds like you have some stray current around your boat. Perhaps you should consider one of those islolaters that Rick was talking about. (sorry if I'm not using the right name)

Rick - You know what I mean?

[Elizabeth Ann]

Yeah, I thought about that, that's why I was curious about the galvanic isolator. Two seasons ago I suspected that it might be related to shore power. To test, I ran shore power this year approx. 50% less than last year. My zincs seem to take a larger hit this year. I do have 5 other boats within 20-30 feet, so I'm starting to suspect that maybe cumulatively I may be seeing some affects.

[Denis]

My 28 TE came with a transom zinc already in place. It's fairly large about 3" x 6" mounted on two through bolts that are permanently mounted. All the green ground wires in the boat are daisy chained together and eventually run to the back of the boat. Even the bow thruster motor and railings run back to the plate. I get two years out of the plate before replacement and the disk zincs on the rudder and trim tabs have plenty at the end of the year. It works on my boat and in my marina so I am happy with that.

[zinbaad]

I wonder if the 31 has a transom zinc on it? anyone know?

[Elizabeth Ann]

Thanks for the replies. At this point I'm not sure if I should go with the zinc plate, the isolator, or both. I guess I still have 2 months to figure it out

[Carl]

Go with the galvonic isolater. My first season with the boat I had to replace them mid summer.....they were gone. I installed the isolater over the winter and this last season they were still servicable when I pulled the boat in December. I figure the isolater will pay for itself in 2 seasons.

[mhanna]

I also have a large transom zinc, It was used when I got the boat 2 seasons ago and its still big enough for me going into the 3rd season. Just tighten up the bolts to make sure it still has a good electrical connection.

Matt

[Elizabeth Ann]

Matt,

Do you have a galvanic isolator on your boat as well? How are the rest of your zincs after the season?

[mhanna]

Matt,

Do you have a galvanic isolator on your boat as well? How are the rest of your zincs after the season?

I do not have a galvanic isolator but it is on the plan of things to add (unfortunately there are several things in front of it ). I have just finished season 2 with the boat and so far both end of years have shown a little better than half of the zincs still remains (all of them). I actually do not see much happening to the transom zinc and yes I have checked it to make sure its wired in properly. I bet I could get away with using some zincs for a second season but its just not worth it. I also do leave the boat plugged in all season and have my 12v refrigerator running.
The reason I should get an isolator installed though is that all it takes is one person next to me with a problem and or a problem with the shore power and I could go through zincs quickly. You know the story "if only I would have put that isolator in"

I do not think its a hard task, just have to find a place to mount it, break into wires between AC panel and shore power outlet and wire up (that is if you buy the one that does not have indicators).

If I ever do it I will take pictures and post...

Matt

[zinbaad]

<<<< listening

[fisham]

We had lots of Zinc wear on our TE, and then we installed a transom Zinc and have been fine ever since. It is an easy to mount, inexpensive and protective addition.
On another note, where can one find a shaft zinc that will fit the one inch space between the boat hull and the prop, I have looked everywhere on the internet...maybe I am missing something???

[furball]

My previous boatzincs dot com order lists it as;
C-7 Collar Zinc Anode 1-1/2"
I have also heard them called dounuts.
Most of my local marine supply sources have them.
Good luck,
John