over the side anode

[shorebird]

Dumb question. We have a sacrificial anode meant to be hung over the side, which has a wire attatched to it about 8 feet long, ending in a crimped ring. Can I attatch this ring to the toe rail for a ground? Or is it meant to complete a circuit and needs to be connected to a part of the metal in the boat that is actually underwater, such as the prop shaft?

[atoll]

it needs to be connected to the boats bonding/earth,that in turn should connect to the seacocks ,rudder shaft and prop shaft

[fstbttms]

It needs to be in direct electrical contact with whatever is to be protected. Otherwise it is doing nothing.

[Andina Marie]

Hang it as close as possible to metal you want to protect, it only covers a limited radius. Typically you would hang it over the stern or one side opposite your prop to help protect it and reduce deterioration of the attached anode(s).

[Cheechako]

I've often seen them clipped to a rudder post. I guess that means the post is bonded to the prop shaft. Reportedly they work very well, especially in a hot marina.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I've often seen them clipped to a rudder post. I guess that means the post is bonded to the prop shaft. Reportedly they work very well, especially in a hot marina.

In all likelihood, a boat that has an anode attached to the rudder post is owned by someone who mistakenly believes he is protecting his running gear. In reality, he is only protecting his rudder shaft, if that.

[Cheechako]

Well... the point is that the shaft or anything else you want to protect needs to be in the loop for sure. I do know two people who were in Shilshole Bay marina with them and they were definitely working, saving the zincs on the shaft etc.... while the "fish" was disappearing. In this same marina, a Valiant that had sailed around the world and had the prop shaft replaced etc after that trip.... in 3 months in the marina, the thru hulls and new shaft were almost completely eaten away! The bottom cleaner saved the boat... it had to be hauled immediately. I saw the shaft.... it looked like a piece of lace....