Concrete dock in PGI (to live, eat, location)

[rock creek]

As long as were going in this direction has any one experienced electrolysis. I was told to be careful of that. Not sure of exactly how or why

[Big House]

Originally Posted by rock creek

As long as were going in this direction has any one experienced electrolysis. I was told to be careful of that. Not sure of exactly how or why

If you have a big boat, you want to have some Zinc diodes on the bottom of your boat. There is some electrolysis that occurs, and basically it causes premature corrosion to the bottom of you boat - mainly if you leave your boat in the water for long periods of time. The Zinc corrodes and is considered sacrificial. If you keep the Zincs on your boat in good shape, then you don't have to worry about electrolysis. And the amount of electrical current in the water can be naturally occurring, come from a number of other sources. It generally increases in areas where there are a lot of houses, pools and marinas. Electrical grounding from houses, pools, electrical connections at your dock / lift and other areas can contribute to the amount of electrical current in the water (even though it is very minor), bit can damage your boat and other metals in the water. If you put your boat on a lift, you shouldn't need to worry much.

[rock creek]

Originally Posted by Big House

If you have a big boat, you want to have some Zinc diodes on the bottom of your boat. There is some electrolysis that occurs, and basically it causes premature corrosion to the bottom of you boat - mainly if you leave your boat in the water for long periods of time. The Zinc corrodes and is considered sacrificial. If you keep the Zincs on your boat in good shape, then you don't have to worry about electrolysis. And the amount of electrical current in the water can be naturally occurring, come from a number of other sources. It generally increases in areas where there are a lot of houses, pools and marinas. Electrical grounding from houses, pools, electrical connections at your dock / lift and other areas can contribute to the amount of electrical current in the water (even though it is very minor), bit can damage your boat and other metals in the water. If you put your boat on a lift, you shouldn't need to worry much.

Thanks Big House that clears up that area. I wasn't completely clear, but I was referring to the lift it-self.

[MartyGras]

Originally Posted by rock creek

Thanks Big House that clears up that area. I wasn't completely clear, but I was referring to the lift it-self.

The same issue can happen with the lift.

When your lift is in the water electrolysis will occur because the cables are steel and everything else is aluminum. Leave it in long enough (a very long time) and the only thing you will have left are the cables.

Not sure that it's practical because the lifts aren't in the water that long but I suppose you could bolt Zinks onto the aluminum structure that gets lowered into the water, the Zinks would corrode instead of the aluminum.

Gary

[mpetroff]

my wife and I just purchased a lot in BSI. this information was so great. thanks for sharing. we cant wait to build our house, and get down south to enjoy the great weather and fishing. thanks

[MartyGras]

Originally Posted by mpetroff

my wife and I just purchased a lot in BSI. this information was so great. thanks for sharing. we cant wait to build our house, and get down south to enjoy the great weather and fishing. thanks

Congrats and welcome to the forum.

The group here has a wealth go knowledge so don't be afraid to ask.

Also keep us updated on your progress.

Gary

[Sea Ray Mark]

Originally Posted by mpetroff

my wife and I just purchased a lot in BSI. this information was so great. thanks for sharing. we cant wait to build our house, and get down south to enjoy the great weather and fishing. thanks

It's funny how a guy makes his first post on a thread about docks and hasn't even built a house yet. I think you'll fit in well here! Good luck with your project and welcome to the area. Lots of great people and great info here. Mark

[SeaRay35]

Buy the sacrificial zincs not attached to your boat. They will take the 1st beating.

[Macgregorsailor51]

Electrolysis effects Fiberglass?? Not that I am aware of. Its Non-conductive.. Errant currents are most often found from shore power issues.. Water is an excellent conductor : ) So I ask ? What is the basis for your statement: " the amount of electrical current in the water can be naturally occurring, come from a number of other sources. It generally increases in areas where there are a lot of houses, pools and marinas. Electrical grounding from houses, pools,"
( Soft Metal "Zinc's" protect Thru hulls and to a greater extent outdrives and outboards in fact all metal parts that are connected in anyway to an electrical system. ) Your Non-electric Jack plate is connected conductivity wise to your motor..
I disagree with you. Your house and pool wiring and grounding there of should have zero effect on the water surrounding your boat..( That said we are discussing PC and PG where TTBOMK no one has a house on stilts in the water next to a dock .. ) Reverse polarities is a HUGE Issue. Improper grounding of 110 220 and 12 24 36 Volt systems on peoples boats are a huge issue.. "Just because the light comes on doesnt mean you wired it right"
Electricity get all the more complicated when you add the word BOAT.. Galvonic Isolators ring a bell? It can be as simple as a double bonded neutral in a system..

[Macgregorsailor51]

Please explain" zincs not attached to your boat" I ask that because everything that is wet is attached to your hull and to some extent your entire electrical system.

Originally Posted by SeaRay35

Buy the sacrificial zincs not attached to your boat. They will take the 1st beating.