a simple zinc question...

[sailhog]

My prop shaft does not have a zinc on it, and it looks as though it has suffered some galvanic corrosion as a result. Anyway, I would like to put it on the inboard side of things so that I can swap it out as needed, and I'm assuming I simply need to sand the shaft down a bit to expose some fresh metal, screw on the zinc and, that is that. Since it's going to be spinning at 2000 rmp, I thought it might be prudent to ask if it's as simple as all this...

[USCGRET1990]

I would like to put it on the inboard side of things so that I can swap it out as needed...

What do you mean by this?

[Boasun]

Your engine runs at 2000 rpm, The shaft should be about a third of that.

[jr438234606]

Don't sacrificial anodes (zincs) need to be suspended in an electrolyte in order to work? Where would you put the zinc inboard so that it was in water?

[sailhog]

USCG,
My neighbor has his zinc installed just forward of the stuffing box so that he doesn't have to get wet to swap it out. On its face, it seems like a good idea to me. However, the zincs I've seen on prop shafts tend to be on the wet side of the shaft. Is this where they should go?

[USCGRET1990]

Definetely-The water is the electrolyte so to speak.

[ebs001]

Zincs have to be in the water, period.

[PBzeer]

When putting on a prop shaft zinc, once you tighten it, tap it a few times with a hammer, retighten, then repeat. If not properly put on, they WILL fall off eventually. And yes, they need to be on the wet side, in the water.

Currently at 35 32 11 N 76 37 20 W

[camaraderie]

Yup...near to the prop is best and be sure the shaft is nice and shiny where you attach the zinc before installing like PB recommends.

[T37Chef]

Why would you putz a zinc on the prop shaft...should'nt there be a zinc in zee head and zee galley???

I'm sorry...I know that was lousy