19/10/2022
Electrolysis and Boats.
Dear boat owners,
with this post we will try to explain in few words the effect of Electrolysis on boats and their components.
It is commonly accepted that Electrolysis can destroy a big percentage of your investment and there's not much you can do if you won't act fast enough.
But, what is Electrolysis? Does it affect all types of boats? Is it related to Electricity?
Well, Electrolysis is the outcome of a chemical reaction between running water filled with electrical load and any metal that comes in contact with. More often it happens when two metals co-exist in an environment surrounded by electrical loads ( or sharing electrical loads ) and running water. Then the weakest of both is going to loose some of its Electrons and the strongest its going to take them. It is called Energy Level exchange, when an Electron jumps energy levels between two metals during their chemical reaction. So, Electrolysis is related to Electricity, thanks to the electrical loads of the surrounded environment and the running water. It is related to Chemistry, thanks to the nature of metals and their chemical reactions to each other.
It affects all boats.
The metallic vessels, for example aluminum or steel, will get affected from the bottom to the top if they are not supported from the correct cathodic protection. The fiberglass vessels, will see their metallic components falling apart instead. The metal parts that come in contact with the water, will fall apart faster due to water's electrical conductivity and those that aren't in contact may not get affected at all.
Through out our work experience, we have seen boats that needed thousands of dollars in order to get repaired and others that were written off due to the irreparable hull. Electrolysis doesn't stop only at the hull of a boat. It will affect all components that running water comes in contact with them, such as engine's parts. For example, Heat exchangers, transmission oil coolers, Charged Air Coolers, etc.
But Electrolysis can be beaten. There are Professional Trades that take care of your boat's Electrolysis issues and they can also, preventively, act on your boats installation. We strongly recommend to ask your Marine Technician/Mechanic and your Marine Electrician to help you identify potential issues with Electrolysis, check your Power Installation for Electricity Leaks that will cause Electrolysis and act before the disaster.
Most of cases occur due to lack/excess or wrong anodes or improper earth bonding installation
A good tip that works almost in every case and it helps identify Electrolysis:
If you have recently done your anti fouling and you have noticed already marine growth around the engine's components (shaft, propeller, sterndrives) or white powder around your anodes then Electrolysis has paid you a visit. You need to act quickly.
Dear boat owners,
thank you for reading our post in regards to Electrolysis and how to avoid it. Don't forget that Prevention is the key to an effortless and enjoying Boating.
A good vessel stays well when it is maintained well.
Do not hesitate to contact "Nuts 'n' Boats" Marine Mechanical Services if you have noticed Electrolysis on your vessel.
Tel: 04 35 35 38 52
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
