Newer Bravo III Corrosion issues?

[agallant80]

I know some of the older ones had issues with corrosion but are the newer ones any better? Do all of the newer B3 include a mercathode system? Will the boat being slipped in brackish water instead of salt make a huge difference?

 

[Bondo]

I know some of the older ones had issues with corrosion but are the newer ones any better? Do all of the newer B3 include a mercathode system? Will the boat being slipped in brackish water instead of salt make a huge difference?

Ayuh,.... Are you seein' corrosion on Yer's,..??

 

[agallant80]

Ayuh,.... Are you seein' corrosion on Yer's,..??

No but I am leaving her in a slip this summer for the first time and want to make sure I don't cause issues.

 

[Lou C]

Make sure you have the right anodes for the water you're going to be in. Fresh or salt?

 

[alldodge]

Corrosion in most cases start on the bearing carrier, and so long as your Mercathode is putting out the correct voltage (750 - 1180mV with special probe) and you have aluminum anodes you should be good. If you start to see any corrosion during annual checks (like I did), just clean the corrosion and then repaint the areas.

 

[thumpar]

I don't know if the mercathode is standard or not but my 1996 B1 came with it so it is not a new thing.

 

[agallant80]

Make sure you have the right anodes for the water you're going to be in. Fresh or salt?

Brackish.

 

[lg260ss]

Back around 2005, Merc added 2 anodes to the Bravo3 drive. One on the cavitation plate and one over the prop nut, for a total of 6 anodes. They also started making the Mercathode system standard equipment on Bravo 3 drives around that time.
Your drive came standard with aluminum anodes which are recommended for brackish water.
I would take the advice of Alldodge and test the output of the Mercathode. You can also add a second Mercathode for added protection if needed, and some have added additional anodes around the outdrives.
The dreaded Bravo 3 corrosion issues are still happening in certain cases, so you will need to watch your drive and anodes closely at first.