Here are some tips for protecting your boat from corrosion.
Corrosion is a significant issue that can affect the longevity and performance of boats. Understanding the causes of corrosion is essential for any boat owner looking to maintain their investment. This natural process can wreak havoc on your beloved asset if left unchecked. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures, you can significantly prolong your vessel’s life and keep it in top condition.
What is Corrosion?
Galvanic corrosion is the process that can cause the hull of your boat to start to corrode when you are connected to shore power. Corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are immersed in a conductive solution, such as seawater, and are electrically connected by a shore connection. One metal is protected, whilst the other is corroded i.e., your boat’s hull.
This type of corrosion can cause an electrical current to run from your boat’s hull to the shoreline, which could potentially electrocute a swimmer between your boat and the shore when you are connected to the shore power. It is essential that you protect your boat and the swimmers in the water from this risk.
Keep Your Boat Clean
Preventing corrosion requires regular maintenance and the adoption of effective protection strategies. One of the most crucial steps includes washing your boat thoroughly with fresh water after every outing to remove salt residues. Applying anti-corrosive coatings or paints designed for marine environments provides an additional layer of protection against corrosive elements. Regular inspections will further ensure early detection and mitigation, and prevent extensive damage.
Upgrade Your Electronics to Prevent Corrosion
There are two types of marine electronics that protect from galvanic corrosion: an isolation transformer or a galvanic isolator.
An isolation transformer eliminates any electrical continuity between shore power and the boat. Shore power is fed to the transformer’s primary side, and the ship is connected to the secondary. The isolation transformer completely isolates the boat from the shore ground. By connecting all metal parts to the neutral output on the secondary side of the transformer, in the case of a short circuit, a circuit breaker will trip, or a fuse will blow.
Another option is to install a galvanic isolator, which consists of two internal diodes connected in antiparallel. When they are connected in this way, the diodes allow current in both directions but only above a certain threshold voltage. The forward voltage from the galvanic isolator is higher than the potential difference between metals. As a result, this voltage will not allow conduction, preventing any electrolytic current.
Marine Electric Systems, LLC is a Leader In the Maritime Industry
We here at Marine Electric Systems have over 30 years of industry experience. You can trust our team for reliable service and expert craftsmanship in the Maryland, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Baltimore city areas! We’re highly certified and adhere to all ABYC and NMEA regulations. We specialize in top-notch electrical solutions for recreational, commercial, and government boating clients. Anything from electrical refits, to navigation systems, or boating maintenance. To stay up to date on our services, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also contact us at 410-263-0807.