Question:
I bought a new SeaPro with a 200 Yamaha FI in March and keep it on a
trailer in an enclosed storage building. On weekends I launch and
leave it in the water until Sunday. The trim tab is a sacrificial
anode and is deteriorating rapidly - lots of pock marks. I've done
some searches and found sites on what electrolysis is but haven't
found a site that describes where the problem can originate or how to
correct for it. The dealer felt there was a charge in the water but
also suggested I turn off the Perko every time I dock and tilt the
motor out of the water in case the problem was caused by something
internal. I would appreciate any advice anyone may have. I have built
a temporary pier with power but all power lines are above water and in
conduit (pier is on 4 X 4 treated pilings and I usually dock the boat
15 -25 feet from the pier. There is a power service pole approx. 20
feet from the waters edge and has a grounding rod. Neighbors have
electricity on their piers but none are within 70 feet or so. I have
plugged in my on board battery charger overnight on a couple of
occasions when the boat was in the water. The boat has 3 batteries,
trolling motor, VHF, GPS, Hydraulic Jack Plate (Aluminum), Electric
Trim Tabs, on board 3 bank charger and aerator. That's about all I
know of that could affect it but would be happy to provide any other
info if someone has any thoughts on what could be causing it and what
I can do to stop it. I can raise and tilt the motor completely out of
the water and turn off the Perko switch each time but that's a pain in
the rear (not to mention I'm prone to forget). Thanks in advance for
any advice you might have. Take care.
Answer:
-You are correct on the battery switch. I also neglected to mention the
bilge pump (auto and manual) is already installed. Tilting the engine
is really not a problem and so far theft has not been a problem - I
usually leave fishing tackle in the boat when docked but I'm sure I'll
regret that someday.The water would best be described as brackish I
guess - we're at the end of the bay off of the Intracoastal Waterway
and within a few hundred yards of a cut to the Gulf but also fed by a
freshwater creek. -Thanks Jim, I had found the second one but glad to see the first. I
knew I would leave out some information - this is at a private
residence not a marina and the boat is only attached to shore power
when I plug in the built in battery charger (which may be the
culprit). I've only done that a few times when I've used the trolling
motor extensively or want to run the aerator overnight. Otherwise the
only connection to land is via rope.
