I was on the
boat the other day, we are tied up at a Marina, connected to
shore power, was curious if any Voltage existed on the earth connection in respect to
Engine Block. There was, about .005 V AC and .1V DC, kind of makes sense that any small leakages on other boats, would use a parallel path back to the earth stake, which probably is about 300 meters away.
I assume my potential at the shaft with respect to earth is the same zero, if its not then situation is probably worse. We are consuming our Shaft Anode quickly and possible other damage.
Yes, I know about Galvanic Isolators and thanks to Goboatingnow the advantages of Isolated Amps.
Yes I know about using slip rings on the shaft.
Yes I know the bonding strap that connects anodes to other skin fittings is missing on a lot of vessels.
Yet it occurrs to me that very little is done with impressed
current systems, home grown variety. I know Electroguard is out there. But it seems to me so simple to superimpose a small voltage in respect to
Engine block, using a low voltage say .7 Volt for starters at the correct polarity, to a metal item that is sacrificed. (for experimenting a conductor hung over the side)
On ships they have systems, that allow 5 years between dockings to replace the sacrificial anodes, certainly it would extend life and save on going
on the hard.
I'm not advocating using such a system off the Marina
Has anyone got life experience of a simple system, thoughts. Anyone using Electroguard impressed system has it saved you anything.
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