[TSOJOURNER]

Does anyone have any views on the problems I might encounter if I were to move a boat that has spend +/- 15 years in fresh water to the coast. I am looking for knowledge specifically on the effect of the change in environment not on the problems with haulage etc.

Jonathan

 

[paulk]

There''s likely to be a bit more electrolysis potential in salt water, so check your zincs. Electrical connections that have worked fine may suddenly go bad because of salt getting into things and causing corrosion of connections and contacts. Leather chafing gear will also absorb the salt, and the crystals will speed its deterioration and that of other cloth or canvas items like dodgers and sailcovers.
That said, people do still enjoy sailing on salt water.

 

[mikehoyt]

My boat came from Great Lakes to Atlantic Coast last season as did another. Electrolosis is a BIG DEAL!!! The other boat has a saildrive that was fine for 20 years. By early September lower end was toast from Electrolosis despite new zinc anodes at season''s start. Be very aware of this especially if at finger pier near shore power.

My boat had no rust stains on stainless despite being 20 years old. by end of this summer most of my stainless was staining esp. where water pools and on screws. Not a big deal but the rusty stains also stain the deck ... ugly! I guess best thing to do is be prepared to polish stainless regularly and replace any screws that seem to rust. Very frustrating and very cosmetic.

Remember also to thoroughly rinse sails, etc at least at season''s end ...

 

[TSOJOURNER]

I read an article recently that claimed that electrolysis comes on from one''s own boat via it''s poor grounding of it''s own 12-V system. The article was written by an professiona and experienced boat mechanic. I have had a chance to check out this claim with my electrical engineering friends but it may be worth the time!

 

[mikehoyt]

Dr. Kirk,

Can you please post a path to this article? Very interested in reading it.

Thanks

Mike Hoyt

 

[TSOJOURNER]

This might be kind of obvious, but if the auxiliary doesn''t have a closed cooling system, I would think seriously about retrofitting.