Association Forum - Zinc Anode on C-25 Cast Iron Keel?

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Zinc Anode on C-25 Cast Iron Keel?

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williamtbecker
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/03/2008 : 23:32:26

Hi-

I have a new (to me) Catalina 25 with the straight cast iron keel. When I got it, the keel had quite a bit of rust on it. I ground it down to bare metal, and have encased the thing with epoxy paint, but I don't ever want to do it again if I can avoid it, which brings up a question - There doesn't appear to be any place to attach a zinc anode. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to drill and tap some holes to attach one to the keel.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but like I said, if it helps protect the keel, i'd like to know.

Thanks,
-Will

Baltimore, MD, USA

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2008 : 23:58:21

there are several previous threads that give good specific details on how to attatch zincs to the keel.
However, sounds like you've got the right idea. IMHO - the best way to attach a zinc to a keel is a tap and die routine attaching a pancake shaped zinc directly to the iron surface of your keel.
by 'straight' I assume you mean fin keel.
The best position for the zinc would be as close to the keel bolts as you can get.

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williamtbecker
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2008 : 21:35:22

After you drill and tap the holes, do you fill the holes with anything to keep water away from the now bare iron? I know you need to keep an electrical connection between the zinc and the keel using the bolt, and the inside of the holes should be galvanically protected. But I didn't know if anyone ever filled the holes with a conductive grease or caulk so water didn't have a straight path to the bare iron. I guess I feel like even though the zincs are there- why give water a path in to the keel?

-Will

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 10:15:07

The yard put my zinc near the end of the keel. The old guys had been in business for over 60 years. You would think they knew what they were doing. They were kinda famous on the bay and finally retired when they got about 90.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2008 : 12:38:26

I don't have one, my keel is epoxy encapsulated and stays in salt water full time. I have fresh bottom paint every two years and bottom cleaning monthly. I have zero rust. So I don't think you need a zinc. I also leave shore power plugged in all the time but turned off.

However, there is a simple option, which is to connect a heavy wire to a keel bolt and connect it to one of those fish zincs and leave that hanging overboard.

Mike does that on Mara the C25 next to me.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.