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Bonding rudders

Discussion in 'Post Yacht' started by Stainless45, Apr 5, 2022.

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  1. Stainless45, Apr 5, 2022
    #1
    Stainless45

    Stainless45 Active Member

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    Wondering why all the underwater metals are connected to the internal bonding system except the rudders. When I hauled out in the Fall the rudder zincs had disintegrated after only a few months. Seems a flexible wire running inside from each rudder post to the inside lugs of the 'Diver's Dream' plate would be a good solution. Has anyone done this? Is there a good reason not to?
  2. Davidoc, Apr 5, 2022
    #2
    Davidoc

    Davidoc Senior Member

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    Mine are as you described. No rudder or shaft zincs. Everything protected by divers plate.
    Anything that touches salt water must be bonded.
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  3. Capt Ralph, Apr 5, 2022
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Lots of boats have a flexible bonding strap to the rudders, lots do not.
    Long ago we were asked to ad bonding straps to a customers boat. Later, the results were longer living zincs on that boat.
    From then on, we understood it could be a benefit and offered it to many customers during 0ur new customer surveys.
    The knowledgeable customers ordered it, Some DIY, others felt not factory; leave it alone.

    Sadly, a mix of results came back from our customers and divers with, factory installed, installed later, no strap; Nothing that would point to a solid result.
    Just nothing ever resulted in anything negative after installing a strap.

    We have always felt any item thru the hull should be bonded and all inspected often.
  4. Stainless45, Apr 5, 2022
    #4
    Stainless45

    Stainless45 Active Member

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    I'm leaning strongly toward doing it, looks like it should be pretty easy.
  5. Capt Ralph, Apr 5, 2022
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    We tried curling the strap at first but our final designs were #6 or 8 tined copper with green sheath. Shrink over a correct size crimp lug, played in a nice arc.
    Attached to the bonding point on the rudder shaft log and tiller bolt using bronze lock or star washers. Also conducting grease. Never had a fatigue issue.
    The curled strap would expand and look messy after a while.
    On some older boats like our Bertram, white cable was used to match the factory color code.
  6. Stainless45, Apr 5, 2022
    #6
    Stainless45

    Stainless45 Active Member

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    Great advice thanks
  7. Capt Ralph, Apr 5, 2022
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    After a while, Please updates us all on any change in metals or zinc rate.
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