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Event Series Event Series: Topic Talks

Marine corrosion and electrolysis can be a confusing issue – which can cause considerable damage to your wooden boat. The solutions which may have been appropriate in the past, may not be suitable now, says corrosion specialist Jessica Gatt.

Wooden boats can suffer from corrosion side-effects to the timber, as well as the running gear like other boats kept in the water. The timber around metal fittings may soften and the paint starts to bubble. Simply replacing zinc anodes may not be the best thing to do. In fact, they may be part of the problem. There are three main causes of marine corrosion in wooden boats: Over protection – an over-active anode, or too many anodes Electrical currents from articles on the boat – solar panels, engine, navigation gear, lighting, etc

Environmental effects – marina influences, environmental fall out or seawater conditions

Over protection by adding an overly active anode (zinc) causes the timber to become subject to alkaline degradation due to overprotection. This results in the typical repercussions of overprotection – excessive marine growth, paint blasting on and around metallic articles plus, the added bonus of alkaline degradation to the surrounding timber. The effect of either new or old (degrading) electrical gear on a boat can be substantial. An engine, battery system, DC appliances or solar panels can potentially output DC current leakage which can cause damage to timber and/or running gear. The indicators of a stray current can be an increase in anode consumption, changes to the visual appearance of the timber or metallic articles, rapid protective coating loss and other typical signs of electrolysis – pitting, corrosion and colour changes.

 

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March Topic Talks
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