Rudder Zinc's

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 1:53 pm

Has anyone installed rudder zinc's on their 33 ? It's not like I have a major corrosion problem, but there's always more than I like to see on the rudders at the end of year. I've talked to a friend who has a Bertram 26. He had the same problem, installed rudder zinc's and the problem is gone. But drilling holes in my rudders gives me the creeps and I'm not sure that it would give me the same results as my buddy. I currently use 2 shaft zincs per side and the starboard ones are always smoked at the end of the year...ports are just worn. I suspect this is because of the starboard shore power connection. I leave my fridge on all summer ! Thanks, Rick 1985 33SF

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 2:21 pm

Rick, I stay in year round. Have 2 zincs per shaft, plus rudder & tab zincs. If just your stb side zincs are going, I would suggest you look for the cause. Everything underwater should be at the same eletrical potential. If only one side is getting eaten up maybe you have a corrosion problem somewhere or the next slip to your stb side is causing the problem. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Post by **Admin** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:09 pm

Man, I saw through zincs in about 4 months, but the marina is full of boats, all plugged in, plus the water in Cali is always warm. I agree with Al, maybe a neighbor is putting out some zap! David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:17 am

I am going to rezinc my boat next week. I only have 1 shaft zinc and i think that is it.does most people have rudder and tab zincs,and does anybody have transom zincs? If everyone can post where and how many zincs they have ...that would be great. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:15 am

Al, I agree there must be other forces at work here, but finding root cause would be a tough troubleshoot. There's plenty of boats around me that are all plugged in and there's not much I can do about that. But I really put the question to everyone to see if they noticed any difference in steering, or other performance factors once they installed rudder zincs. I'm hoping that I can nip it in the bud with a little extra protection. The good news is that there is still something left of the starboard zincs and although corrosion on the rudders is barely noticable, there's enough to justify the extra protection. Thanks, Rick

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:18 am

I have 2 on each shaft and either 1 or 2 on each trim tab for a total of 6-8. The shaft zincs get replaced every year, the trim tab zinc tend not to go as fast so I do them every other year which is why I can't remember how many I have on them. Man its tough getting old. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:25 am

Those having zinc problems or those that want a little xtra protection, I would recommend a galvanic zinc saver. In my case, it cut the zinc usage about 30%. On the B31 tip board, Captain Patrick strongly advocates their usage. You can buy new at West etc. or go to Yandina & buy a refurbed one. That's what I did. http://www.yandina.com/GalvInfo.htm Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:35 am

Al, What is involved in installing it? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 5:58 am

Doug, it's no big deal. Just splice in series the two pigtail wires on the unit with the the two green wires off the back of your shore power inlets. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:20 pm

Al, If you`re talking about a galvanic isolator, I think they come pretty much standard,at least on the later generation of 33's, Doug should have one. I do and I'm pretty sure I've seen them on other 33's in the same location. Frank Price

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 4:09 am

Get out the drill and get to drilling. It's no big deal. I put a zincs on my rudders last year. I also put one of those big transom zincs on. For that you have got to drill a couple of holes through the hull!!! Even that is no big deal.[:D] Charlie

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:04 pm

Thanks Charlie, Think I will. Did you just center them on the rudder ? Take Care, Rick

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 3:02 pm

I hauled my boat today for my bottom job at the local bertram dealers yard richard allied bertram.I asked them about zincs because i only have 2 total 1 per shaft.When i asked them if i should add zincs to the rudders and the tabs .They insisted that i should not add more zincs .When i told them other bertram 33 owners were adding them they still insisted i did not need them.They pointed out that even though i was getting growth of barnacles and such on the metal parts , the metal was not corroding.I also have 2 12" flat transducer looking metal objects bolted through the hull in front of the struts which are used for the bonding system.they said this should be connected to grounding wire on the shore power and is there to protect the metal parts. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:01 am

My FBC has a Galvanic Isolator, factory installed. 1 Zinc each shaft ; plate on transome and zinc on each tab. When I surveyed the boat, 1 prop was getting eaten away. It actually looked like somebody was shooting 110v right down the shaft. I replaced all ground wires on every thru hull. I also found that the shore power cords were so corroded inside they did not ground properly. Figure that made the galvanic isolator pretty ineffective. Threw them out and bought new ones. Still had a problem, but not as bad. The guy across the canal had a big Carver. (brand new) that was causing me the grief. He sold the boat over a year ago. Zincs lasted over a year. I don't keep my boat in a marina, but I believe that other improperly grounded boats create most problems for everybody else. E.W. Dugan

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 1:15 pm

i am now interrested in the isolator,i think my boat must of had one at one time since it has the metal grounding plates.i know i dont have one because the first thing i did when i got the boat was to replace the shore power breakers as they were bad .and the isolator would have been right there. from what i have been reading today every boat should have one: "Installing the Galvanic Isolator between the AC safety ground and DC bonding system , blocks a majority of the low voltage currents and corrosive action on your zincs is significantly reduced ( while the integrity of the critical safety ground path is maintained.) This means a significant savings in boat haul-out fees and zinc replacement costs" the one draw back E.W. is that you must insure that it is working .because if is not then your boat has no ground and causes a electrical hazzard. Al posted a web link that gives some info Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC