The MerCathode system provides automatic protection against galvanic corrosion. A solid‑state device that operates off a vessel's battery, the MerCathode system provides protection by impressing a reverse blocking current that stops the destructive flow of galvanic currents.
How do I know if MerCathode is working?
Connect the black meter lead to the terminal on the controller. Connect the red meter lead to the end of orange wire. If using the blue or black Mercathode controller, the reading should be 25 or less milliamps, to as much as 200 milliamps in saltwater areas.
What causes outdrive corrosion?
You might not think that a boat's power connection could have anything to do with a corroding outdrive, but it can; aside from missing anodes, it is probably the most common cause of severe corrosion. Boats plugged into shore power share the green ground wire with every other boat in the marina that is plugged in.
What is the anode on an outdrive for?
Anodes on a Boat Motor
To prevent outboard corrosion, it's necessary to introduce a base metal that is even less resistant to corrosion than the metals that make up the motor itself. To accomplish this, blocks of base metal known as anodes are attached to the outboard or sterndrive.
How do you keep aluminum boats from corroding?
Paint the hull. The best way for stopping corrosion on an aluminum boat is to paint the hull. Bottom paint prevents fouling. Be sure to paint up to the water line, and patch nicks or chips as soon as possible.
27 related questions foundDo aluminum boats need maintenance?
Most of the metal hardware on your boat consists of aluminum, chrome, brass, and stainless steel, and should be cleaned on a periodic basis. Soap and water is usually sufficient, but metal cleaners are available on the market. Your dealer may be able to recommend a product.
Can you leave an aluminum boat in the water?
However, to play it safe, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends that “aluminum vessels shall have a protective paint coating that provides a high [electrical] resistance barrier between the aluminum and the water.”
Do aluminum boats need bottom paint?
After you apply Tuff Stuff marine epoxy primer on hull, be sure to use an aluminum safe bottom paint. The bottom paint needs to be applied the same day as the Tuff Stuff marine epoxy primer. Bottom paints in general are designed to repel hard growth.
Do I need anodes in freshwater?
Essentially, fresh water is a much less conductive environment than salt water, therefore magnesium anodes are your best choice as they are much more active (less noble) than zinc or aluminum anodes. The result is increased efficiency thus superior protection for your underwater metal components.
Do I need an anode on my boat?
Zinc for aluminum or salt water: If you are a saltwater boater, you should install zinc or aluminum anodes to prevent galvanic corrosion on the engine and underwater parts of your boat.
Do I need a trim tab anode?
Trim tabs are essential for steering your boat safely and accurately. When properly aligned, trim tab anodes counteract torque pressure generated by the propeller for steering and helps even out “prop-walk,” a propeller's tendency to rotate about a vertical axis.
