Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know about corrosion?
The good news is that corrosion can be prevented! Marine corrosion is a fact of boating life, but you can protect your investment with diligence and proper maintenance. As the boat owner, you are the most important key to effective corrosion protection.
Here are a few guidelines to follow:
A) Magnesium anodes are suggested for fresh water ONLY.
B) Aluminum Anodes, or Zincs should be used in salt water.
C) Anodes and outdrives should be inspected on a regular basis for signs of corrosion.
D) Do not paint anodes.
E) Not all anodes are created equal, don't sacrifice your equipment with the use of poor quality aftermarket anodes.
Your particular boating environment may require that you install additional anodes or other protective devices.
Corrosion can be caused by many factors, such as the wrong type or improper application of anti-fouling paint, marine growth, stray electrical current (electrolylsis), an improperly wired or damaged Mercathode, etc. These types of conditions are not covered by a warranty.
Please see the next two questions to find the two different applications of corrosion protection.
What is a Galvanic Isolator and what does it do?
A galvanic isolator is a solid-state device that is series connected in-line into the boat's green safety grounding or earth line lead ahead of all grounding connections on the boat. This can be done internally in the boat or by using a plug in waterproof unit. This device functions as a filter, blocking the flow of destructive low voltage galvanic (DC) currents, but still maintaining the integrity of the safety grounding circuit. A galvanic isolator is only necessary on boats utilizing a shore power connection. Be sure to also use sacrificial anodes and do not paint sacrificial anodes.
What is a Mercathode and what does it do?
The Mercathode is a special device that produces a protective field around the drive to reduce galvanic corrosion damage. The Mercathode has two basic parts, the controller and the anode. The controller is usually mounted on the engine. A Mercathode system provides automatic protection against galvanic corrosion. It is a solid state device that operates off a boat's 12-volt battery and provides protection by impressing a reverse blocking current that stops the destructive flow of galvanic currents. If your power package does not come already equipped with a Mercathode system, we strongly recommend that you install one, particularly if your boat is equipped with a stainless steel propeller, trim tabs or other submerged stainless steel hardware. The Mercathode should be tested annually by an authorized dealer for proper operation. Be sure to also use sacrificial anodes. Do not paint or power-wash the Mercathode or anodes.