Trim tab anodes

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 8:35 pm

Always used zincs on trim tabs but I am wondering about sizing. Tabs are not part of the bonding system and are stainless steel (12x24). Have used 2 inch zincs on each, they last all season but are thinned out. Wondering what you may be using. Yeah its winter and I am bored and thinking of boating !

Mike Kulp · Post by **Mike Kulp** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:00 pm

Hey Dennis my tabs have no zinks but my large transom plate gets eaten up a lot I am thinking of installing zinks on my tabs and my thought is bigger is better when it comes to zinks.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:30 pm

Mike Kulp wrote:Hey Dennis my tabs have no zinks but my large transom plate gets eaten up a lot I am thinking of installing zinks on my tabs and my thought is bigger is better when it comes to zinks.

+1 on the bigger/more the better. Mike, check your transom plate on the bilge side, it should be bonded. See if the wiring, contact points and connections are tight and clean. Good contact is key.

Away On Busine$$ · Post by **Away On Busine$$** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:40 pm

Sorry Guys.

But what the heck are Zinks.

We are new to this game.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:39 pm

Away On Busine$$ wrote:Sorry Guys.

But what the heck are Zinks.

We are new to this game.

Away - The zincs are "Sacrificial Anodes" made of soft Zinc material so they corrode faster than your rudder, shafts, struts, tabs and outdrive - preventing this:

I use R2 Rudder Zincs on both the tabs and rudders - they're actually 2-13/16" diameter. Used to use R3s and R2's, but easier to keep one size on hand.

Usually last 4-5 months here on my saltwater creek (no shore power or other boats around).

Decent prices: http://www.boatzincs.com/rudder.html

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:59 am

I use R-3's on my tabs and 2 per shaft no plate.

Away On Busine$$ · Post by **Away On Busine$$** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 6:57 am

Is this a salt water issue.

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 11:44 am

Away On Busine$$ wrote:Is this a salt water issue.

Fresh water as well. Type of material that is best for you also depends on salt vs fresh water (see the link below), but odds are any marine store in the area you are boating will be carrying the right stuff for you.

http://www.performancemetals.com/anodes/AnodeFAQs.shtml

I boat in the great lakes, and I have a sacrificial anode on each rudder and a 'streamlined' shaft anode on each shaft.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:30 pm

A on B, you should be using aluminum or magnesium. If you are in a marina slip with boats on both sides of you, you should take a look at their anode gear as well, and try to determine the type of anode material they have. If they have zinc anodes or none at all, I recommend trying to convince them to install aluminum or Magnesium units as yours will be sacrificing themselves a lot faster if your neighbours have none or the wrong kind. If you know what to look for, it's pretty easy to tell at a glance the material being used. Use the search function on this site, there is a lot of info on anodes, and never appologize for asking questions, we were all new to this game at one point, and are more than happy to answer any questions we can.

lawyerdave71 · Post by **lawyerdave71** » Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:31 pm

Yes, aluminum zincs are needed on great lakes.

Mine shriveled up this year and need to be replaced.

They are needed for because morons leave their power cords in the water!

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 7:17 am

Hi all
According to me Fresh water as well. Type of material that is best for you also depends on salt vs fresh water...

DOUGNASH · Post by **DOUGNASH** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 9:51 am

I put these on after I replaced the trim tabs with new.

This is what they looked like after 7 months in the water

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:21 pm

they look good, How soft are they ?

DOUGNASH · Post by **DOUGNASH** » Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:58 pm

alexander38 wrote:they look good, How soft are they ?

Not really soft, but I change all zincs every season just to be safe...