Marine Corrosion Control & Prevention
Comprehensive corrosion analysis, galvanic isolator installation, zinc anode systems, and bonding system repairs. Protect your vessel's electrical system from saltwater damage.
Marine Corrosion Control & Prevention
Corrosion is the silent killer of boats. Saltwater creates an electrochemical environment that can destroy underwater metals, damage electrical systems, and create dangerous conditions. Understanding and controlling corrosion requires knowledge of both metallurgy and marine electrical systems.
Types of Marine Corrosion
Galvanic Corrosion
Different metals in contact through seawater create a battery effect. The less noble metal (like zinc or aluminum) corrodes to protect the more noble metal (like bronze or stainless steel).
Stray Current Corrosion
Electrical current leaking into the water from faulty wiring accelerates corrosion dramatically. Unlike galvanic corrosion, stray current can destroy metals in days or weeks.
Electrolysis
Often misused to describe all corrosion, electrolysis specifically refers to corrosion caused by external electrical current passing through metal into the water.
Our Corrosion Services
Corrosion Assessment
- Visual inspection of underwater metals
- Electrical testing for stray current
- Bonding system evaluation
- Shore power ground testing
- Marina environment assessment
Bonding System Services
- Bonding system design and installation
- Connection repairs and upgrades
- Proper sizing and routing
- Testing and verification
Sacrificial Anode Systems
- Zinc anode selection and installation
- Aluminum anodes for fresh/brackish water
- Anode sizing calculations
- Replacement schedules
Galvanic Isolation
- Galvanic isolator installation
- Isolation transformer systems
- Shore power ground fault protection
- Testing and maintenance
Stray Current Prevention
- AC and DC system inspection
- Ground fault identification
- Wiring repairs and upgrades
- Isolation of problem sources
Understanding Galvanic Isolators
Galvanic isolators block the low-voltage DC current that causes galvanic corrosion while maintaining the AC safety ground:
- Blocks galvanic current below ~1.2V
- Maintains AC ground for safety
- Protects against marina corrosion
- Simple installation in shore power circuit
Isolation Transformers
For maximum protection, isolation transformers:
- Completely isolate vessel from shore ground
- Eliminate all galvanic current
- Provide voltage regulation
- Enable 60Hz operation from 50Hz power
Common Corrosion Problems
Rapid Zinc Consumption
If your zincs are disappearing quickly:
- Check for stray current leaks
- Evaluate marina conditions
- Test bonding connections
- Assess neighboring boats
Prop and Shaft Damage
Pitting, erosion, or discoloration may indicate:
- Galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals
- Stray current from your boat or marina
- Inadequate anode protection
- Bonding system problems
Through-Hull Deterioration
Bronze through-hulls showing pink color (dezincification):
- Galvanic attack on zinc content
- Improper bonding
- Stray current exposure
- Aging and service life
Prevention Strategies
- Proper Bonding: All underwater metals connected
- Sacrificial Anodes: Correctly sized and located
- Galvanic Isolation: Shore power protection
- Quality Wiring: Prevent stray current leaks
- Regular Inspection: Catch problems early
Get a Free Estimate
Corrosion problems only get worse with time. Contact us for a comprehensive corrosion assessment and protection plan for your vessel.
