How can you check for excessive electric current in the water at boat harbors causing electrolysis on metals?

Question

severe electric current in water can eat up drives ,props etc.and there should be a way to meter loose current i would hope ..it actually eats the metal like acid eats its contacts

Answer 1

The way this can be controlled is by using zinc's attached to the boat. They have to be replaced, but doing so is cheaper then boat and prop repair.

It has been found that just moving a boat through the water generates galvanic action, not the amount of electricity in the water. It is much the same as walking across the carpet in your socks. So just as one may use a key to discharge the static charge, zincs are used on a boat.

Answer 2

Always change your zincs.  Keep your electrical cord and everyone Else's around your boat.  There is a way to check for stray current in the water around your boat.  It involves a very long jumper.  Go thru your boat and check each underwater metal, shaft, thru hulls, drives, etc.  Hook one end to your jumper cable and drop it in the water.  The other lead touches underwater metal.  The meter should be on the AC voltage.  This will measure stray AC current in the water.  Switch to DC voltage and this will measure stray DC current.  This test will also tell you what is bonded correctly.  Change your zincs it is cheap insurance.  The price of zincs is a lot cheaper that a new drive.

Answer 3

I don't have a ready answer but offer a suggestion--  go on line to BoatUS and search their monthly magazine. There have been many articles covering exactly your concern and problem in the last 2 years. (I do not keep my old copies)

Answer 4

just check your zinc's... if they are getting destroyed really quickly then you have your answer