Corrosion....

Galvanic Corrosion Thoughts…To avoid or reduce wastage -

• Thoroughly and carefully coat or paint metals especially in galvanic cells.

• If a coating is used, then use it on the cathode (the metal which is not going to corrode) because coating the zinc anodes will reduce their surface area. Reduce the area of the cathode not the anode.

• If dissimilar metals are causing unwanted corrosion – then one or more of the following should be done –

• Electrically isolate dissimilar metals.

• Select metals that are close to each other on the galvanic series.

• Change the potential between metals (anodes – impressed current systems).

• Properly wire vessels to ABYC standards – no ground and neutral lines connected.

• Use galvanic isolator – transformer.

Anode Selection

• Zinc – Salt Water (make sure to use Military Spec M 18001J zinc anodes).

• Activated Aluminum – an alternative to zinc in sea or brackish waters. Both zinc and activated aluminum do not work well in fresh water unless cleaned monthly.

• Magnesium – Freshwater, potential excessive protection in seawater (short life).

Port Orchard Yacht Sales

It's a cold, dark, rainy day here in Western Washington - so there's no better place to hang out than Robert Heay's Port Orchard Yacht Sales. Robert has owned POYS for the past 27-years - combined with his 30+ years of sailing experience - makes this yacht brokerage one of the best on the west coast. Stop by and say hi to Rob, Trish (the Fab) and Ken. 360.876.4584.

Sail Rig Inspection....

Sail Rig inspection guidance from the USCG Sector Honolulu Inspection Note Number 13

- Weekly - all rigging hardware at deck level be thorough cleaned and rinsed.

- Monthly - a thorough inspection of all rigging equipment.

- Annual – a comprehensive (mast standing) inspection of mast and rigging system with rigging slacked off, turnbuckles opened and lubricated with rigging properly tension and re-tuned.

- Every six (6) years - mast removal and disassembly of all components for comprehensive inspection.

- Replacement of stainless fittings every five (5) to ten (10) years for vessels operating in the tropics.

- The USCG Sector Honolulu Inspection Note Number 13 refers to a six (6) year “cycle” – Replace wire every 6 years, terminal fittings every twelve (12) years, and chain plates every eighteen (18) years. This may be as a result of the “tropics” and the beating it gives to stainless steel rigging. Mariners have all seen rigs that are well over ten (10) years old that appear to be in serviceable condition. A conservative estimate may be to use the “six year cycle” for those vessels operating in the tropics. Then move to possibly an “eight year cycle for those operating on the “coasts”. With a “ten year cycle” for those vessels that are used in the northern climates.

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Happy New Year....