Dear Editor
With respect to the article in September’s Boating NZ on Galvanic Corrosion, I would strongly suggest owners of WOODEN boats do not follow this advice.
Installing zinc anodes and bonding all metal parts to the zinc can cause significant damage to timber adjacent to any of these fittings. Effectively, the potential (voltage) generated by the zinc will cause an alkali solution to form around these fittings, and this will eventually break down the structure of the timber.
Sadly, a large portion of our wooden boat fleet has suffered this fate with expensive repairs to keel floors, shaft logs, and timber around bronze skin fittings.
The article referenced below by iconic New Zealand boatbuilder, Chris Mc Mullen, should be compulsory reading for all wooden boat owners, as the topic is discussed in depth.
https://waitematawoodys.com/2017/12/30/electro-chemical-damage-in-wooden-boats-update-revisited/
Colin Pawson
By email
