Marina Electrolysis

[Scaaty]

We have 100 slip marina with just overhead lights, a couple 110 outlets on top of the pilings, and no shore power. All overhead lines. Seems this year the aluminum hulls are getting funky for lack of another word. We are in saltwater, in Puget Sound. Can some one fill me in on what can be done in the way of the marina, or what individuals can do? Have read up on some solutions, but they applied to a different application. Thanks in advance, Robby

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

Robby, the term "funky" doesn't exactly describe the situation. If you are talking about marine growth and fouling....that is one thing. Mainly dependant on temperature, water quality and hull preperations. If you are talking about signs of electrolisis, that is something else. For lack of better information,look for any boats in your harbor that are connected to the above outlets. Mainly look for one that has a home type window airconditioner connected to "shore power".

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

You say that there is 110v outlets on the pilings (that's your shore power). Are any boats plugged into these?

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

If corrosion is suddenly showing up bad, when it was OK before, this points to a leak somewhere at the marina - usually a dodgy ground connection somewhere.<br /><br />It might be the marina circuitry, or it might be a boat nearby that's plugged into shore power, with faulty wiring.<br /><br />Either way, tell the marina owners, and get several boating buddies to do the same. They'll soon wake up if they think they might be landed with responsibility claims!

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

Also look for polarity issues, a boat w/ reverse polarity can do this too. try to get some protection, a mercathode, check your anodes regularly. Good luck, Joe

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

I'm am talking aluminum boats with holes being ate in them. A lot the owners fault, but I'm thinking people charging batteries with bad grounds, etc. Thanks for the answers.......I tell those people just to hang a hunk of zinc off the side with Aluminum boats

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

Robby,<br /><br />If it's stray current from the marina that's causing the trouble, then 'hanging a zinc off the side' isn't the answer. It will keep happening until the leak is plugged.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Marina Electrolysis

First, probe the water around your boat for stray voltage - anything over 1 volt requires immediate further investigation. My guess is you are looking for ground leak from an AC circuit, that could be shore power or a boats generator.<br /><br />Don't go swimming.