Ditch MerCathode for Anode Protection?
#1
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I found two black plastic masses (for lack of a better term) bolted to the bottom of my gimbals where anodes can be bolted (IE under the hydraulic ram manifold). I was then told they are the cathodes for the MerCathode system and not to remove them, but I'm having other thoughts.
I have a pair (one on each engine) MerCathode (Black box) that are circa 1996. I've read multiple posts regarding the procedure for testing and how when tested they typically aren't putting out spec. current to fully protect against corrosion anyway. I've seen owners run two of them in parallel (on each engine) to gain adequate protection. I also read of testing the system one day and three days later they are dead.
For a boat not stored in the water, I would maybe have it in 72 hrs. at once if I wet slip it to stay on overnight when away from home, would it be more practical to remove the MerCathode's on the bottom of each gimbal and go with anode protection? I figure the stagnant anode protection is at least known to be "working" consistently without the worries associated with keeping the MerCathodes, which for all I know can be dead already.
Your thoughts and experiences are greatly appreciated !
Keith
I have a pair (one on each engine) MerCathode (Black box) that are circa 1996. I've read multiple posts regarding the procedure for testing and how when tested they typically aren't putting out spec. current to fully protect against corrosion anyway. I've seen owners run two of them in parallel (on each engine) to gain adequate protection. I also read of testing the system one day and three days later they are dead.
For a boat not stored in the water, I would maybe have it in 72 hrs. at once if I wet slip it to stay on overnight when away from home, would it be more practical to remove the MerCathode's on the bottom of each gimbal and go with anode protection? I figure the stagnant anode protection is at least known to be "working" consistently without the worries associated with keeping the MerCathodes, which for all I know can be dead already.
Your thoughts and experiences are greatly appreciated !
Keith
#2
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If the mercathode system actually works, I'd hate to see how bad corrosion can get without it lol.
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Do you ever have the boat in the water, slipped, overnight, etc., WITH the shorepower attached? This is when the Mercathode is most important.
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#8
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If you plug into shore power I would consider adding a galvanic isolator. Even though I rack store my boat I added one to mine for those long weekends I am plugged in at marinas. http://www.pkys.com/FAQ/galvanic.htm
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So what I'm trying to determine is, will replacing the MerCathodes with anodes provide the same protection with less headaches and at much less cost? After all new gamble anodes are ~$45/pr.
If you plug into shore power I would consider adding a galvanic isolator. Even though I rack store my boat I added one to mine for those long weekends I am plugged in at marinas. http://www.pkys.com/FAQ/galvanic.htm
#10
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So what I'm trying to determine is, will replacing the MerCathodes with anodes provide the same protection with less headaches and at much less cost? After all new gamble anodes are ~$45/pr.
I have one of the Merc probes and its a piece of wire that has been platinum coated around a small nylon stick. You could probably get close if you silver plated a 18AWG wire, but not exact due to differences in properties