Electrolysis?

[Derek Chance]

Need some help fom smarter folks than me. I have a 2010 Z7 and from what I have found out I have electrolysis going on. I get a white chalky buildup on metal below the water line. How do I stop this. Everything is factory except I am also running a stay-n-charge charge on the run system. It is not faulty or the reason. Everything works divine just trying to figure this out. Thanks

 

[ND Bass]

I believe you have some stray voltage. A wire is shorting somehow/somewhere. Also, the zinc anode on your motor is most likely needing replacement as well. Find the short and replace the anode and you should be fine.

 

[Derek Chance]

That's the problem. where should I start looking?

 

[ND Bass]

I would start looking at any non-factory wiring that has been done. Somewhere a bare wire is grouding through some metal and into the water.

 

[THOMMO59]

I have a 2011 Z6 with the same issue, I took both anodes off last week and wire brushed them clean. I run salt water 90% of the time and looked at this as normal. To have a positive power short on a fibreglass hull would be difficult I would think unless it was on something metal that touches the water, like a Trolling Motor for example. Would Figreglass normally allow the current to flow to the water?

 

[Bob Bourget2]

The boat must have a "hull potential" test done, at the exact spot you moor it. Stray current can and will cause unwanted corrosion through electrolysis. All components must be bonded and the anodes replaced. Just because they "look" good, does not mean they are not "dead". Dissimilar metals contribute to this issue, and is accelerated with salt water due to the higher conductivity. Best way to keep it clean and new.......keep it out of the water!!!

 

[THOMMO59]

I don't moor mine at all, thorough fresh water drowning before it leaves the ramp and dry before it's home to the garage. Unless Tracker rigged it this way or a wire has rubbed through to a good grounding, mine must just be normal.

 

[Derek Chance]

I do not moor mine either. comes out of the water after every use.

 

[Bob Bourget2]

They don't have to be moored, that just accelerates the problem.

 

[Derek Chance]

So I should be looking for a source of stray current that has a chance to enter the water probably at my trolling motor since that is where it is worse?

 

[Bob Bourget2]

Yes.

 

[ND Bass]

I earned my first Bob B. badge today