Zincs or not on trim tabs ?

[firedreamer]

OK just pulled my boat for bottom paint and found that the two aluminum trim tabs are painted and have no zincs on them. There does not seam to be any corrosion yet. So should i just repaint them or strip them and install zincs or sand,repaint and add zincs? Oh what to do? LOL will try to upload a pic or two. Thanks

[fstbttms]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[CaptainRoss76]

From an experienced marine engineer and delivery captain;

You need to confirm that they are definitely Aluminium?
- Magnet test will confirm
-If it sticks, its steel - fit anode - zinc in salt - magnesium in fresh
-If doesnt - its prob alu but may be SS - you must still confirm there is internal bonding to all other underwater metal work.
Hope this helps

[djmarchand]

The last two trawlers I have owned have had zincs (R1) on the trim tabs. Clean them up, paint them, but leave an unpainted spot where the nut tightens down on the other side of the zinc.

the zincs hould last a couple of years.

[firedreamer]

They are bonded well and I'm ((.9% sure they are SS and not aluminum so seeing they have done well for 26 yrs I guess I will leave well enough alone

[captain58sailin]

Good Call. Most trim tabs I've seen were SS.