re-galvanizing

[wumhenry]

I have a rusty CQR 25# anchor. Is hot-dip re-galvanizing the best restorative treatment? Is it expensive? If the answers to those questions are yes and no, does anyone here know of a place at a convenient distance from Silver Spring MD where I can get it done? A place that's open on Saturday would be preferred.

Is there a coating that can be applied by brush or from a spray can that's a reasonable alternative?

[Gramp34]

There is something called "cold galvanizing" which is basically zinc paint. It comes in spray cans. I've seen it at my local marine store and at West Marine.

You'll need to grind the rust off before spraying this stuff on. I've used it on steel left outdoors. When it goes on it looks like dark grey paint, but after it weathers a while it looks like regular galvanizing. I can't say how long it will last, but I'm told you get most of the life of hot dip galvanizing.

To get real hot dip try your yellow pages under galvanizing. It's an industrial process and galvanizers may or may not want to bother with you. I know people who've gotten a pickup load of wrought iron fence galvanized, but you'd have to ask if someone would do one 25 pound anchor.

[SVDistantStar]

I painted my 20# CQR with red rubber paint last year. As for how the paint has held up, ive got no clue since its been at the bottom since the frist of the year. Ill find out how that holds up soon when i move the boat.

[ebs001]

I used the galvanizing paint 2 months ago and so far it still looks like new.

[sailingdog]

Hot dip galvanizing, if the metal is properly cleaned and prepped will last a lot longer than the cold spray paint "galvanizing" or the rubber paint generally.

Skimping on ground tackle is a pretty stupid thing to do IMHO, as the anchor, rode and rest of the ground tackle system is often the only thing that keeps your boat safe, especially in a storm at anchor.

[Craig Smith]

Originally Posted by wumhenry

I have a rusty CQR 25# anchor. Is hot-dip re-galvanizing the best restorative treatment? Is it expensive? If the answers to those questions are yes and no, does anyone here know of a place at a convenient distance from Silver Spring MD where I can get it done? A place that's open on Saturday would be preferred.

Is there a coating that can be applied by brush or from a spray can that's a reasonable alternative?

No no no, especially not if it's "rusty" - you can use cold spray to patch up little bits of chipped galvanizing etc, but if the steel has truly started to rust, you'll have to get it properly prepared by a galvanizer then hot-dipped.

It isn't too expensive, although for such a small anchor the minimum fee of the plant will probably represent the total cost. If your CQR is one with lead in its tip, that will complicate things as it must be melted out then re-done afterward.

Recommendation: get a better (new) anchor.

[sailingdog]

Good point about the lead... forgot that some CQR's have lead to weight the anchor tip.

[Gramp34]

Originally Posted by Craig Smith

Recommendation: get a better (new) anchor.
__________________
Craig Smith
Rocna Anchors

By any chance, should that (better) new anchor be a Rocna, Craig?

Boy you guys are sure skittish over a little rust. Spending $500 on a new anchor to save sanding and painting the old one?...

If you don't want to sand it, spray on a new coat of Rustoleum every season, and touch it up when it needs it. Hot galvanizing will provide the best protection against rust, but it's not easy to get done, cold galvanizing paint provides good protection but requires the old rust sanded off, and regular rust paint will provide short term protection with the cheapest and easiest application.

There's nothing magic about galvanizing that makes the anchor hold better. It just slows down the rusting process.

Cheers,

Tim

[camaraderie]

Ditto that Tim...anchor CHAIN rust might cause some concern if bad...but an anchor?? Just clean and paint or use some rustoleum primer first. ....easier than doing the teak!!

[Freesail99]

I would look on craigslist. I bought a couple of months back 2 almost brand new 33 or 35 pound danforths. I paid $150. I already have a bruce.