Electrolytic Corrosion And Zinc Anodes - Sea Ray 250 Select EX Owner's Manual

S
I R
NTERNATIONAL ECEPTACLE
If equipped, all readily accessible 220V outlets are
protected by a Residual Current Circuit Breaker
(RCCB). This current breaker includes a test switch
to verify proper operation. Its function is similar, but
not identical to the 120V GFI.
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL PACKET FOR
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY INFORMATION.
RCCB O
UTLET
(F . 6.9.1)
IG
12. E
LECTROLYTIC
Z A
INC NODES
Electrolytic corrosion of metals on power boats
can result in rapid and serious deterioration of
metal parts. You must set a regular schedule and
look for the possibility of electrolytic corrosion
(the deterioration of metals due to dissimilar
characteristics when placed in salt water). It is
your responsibility to check for and replace parts
damaged due to electrolytic corrosion.
To minimize electrolytic corrosion of the metals
on your boat and to protect underwater hardware,
zinc anode plates are provided on your boat. Zinc,
being much less "noble" than the copper-based
alloys and aluminum used in underwater fi ttings,
will deteriorate fi rst and protect the other metals.
Stern drives are fi tted with zinc anodes on their
lower units (refer to your Engine Owner's Manual
for their locations). If your boat is equipped with
trim tabs, zinc plates are installed on each of the
trim tabs.
250 Select EX
6 • E
ECTION
C
ORROSION AND
S
LECTRICAL
Zinc anodes require replacement about every six
months, if the boat is operated in salt water. In
fresh water, the zinc anodes can be replaced about
once a year.
If the anodes deteriorate more rapidly than this,
there is probably a stray current problem within the
boat or at the slip or mooring.
If the anodes do not deteriorate, they are not
protecting the other metallic parts of your boat. This
can be caused by loose anodes or by low grade zinc
or by not having a solid electrical contact between
the anode and the metal it contacts, or by paint on
the anodes.
If the anodes are deteriorating rapidly, or not at all,
contact your dealer.
When an AC shore power system is connected to
the boat, the underwater metal fi ttings will, in effect,
be connected through the water to grounded metals
ashore. This results in the zincs being consumed
at a faster rate unless the marina maintains a
protective system to prevent this. When the marina
provides a zinc anode in the water bonded to the
metal outlet box on the dock, zinc loss on the boat
will be reduced. Do not connect this zinc to the
boat's ground system.
It is extremely important that all electrically-operated
DC equipment and accessories be wired so that
the ground polarity of each device is the same as
that of the battery. Your boat has a negative ground
system. The zinc anode is connected to every metal
item in the boat (fuel tanks, underwater gear, etc.)
via the green bonding wire.
Never disconnect the green wire (safety ground) from
the engine terminal.
DO NOT PAINT BETWEEN THE ZINC AND THE
METAL IT CONTACTS, AND DO NOT PAINT OVER
THE ZINC.
YSTEM
! CAUTION
NOTICE
6.9