Electro-Guard System

[John Hopp]

hello group! I am in the process of "modernizing" my 1972 wood Grand Banks 36. Currently, there is an Electro-Guard automatic system in place which is supposedly protecting my underwater gear through the hull's ancient copper bonding web, which was installed when the boat was built. My first job will be to rip out this old web of copper strapping and vinegar/wash all the nearby wood. i have not found any alkali salts (knock on wood). as it is a fairly modern Elecro-Guard system that appears to be working properly, i could easily re-wire the components to be bonded back into this system with 8ga tinned marine wire and continue to use it for protection. however, the archives here suggest to me that many wooden boat owners today prefer NOT to use these systems, but rather go back to using individual zincs on props, shafts and rudders. either way, i also plan to add an isolation transformer and galvanic isolator. for those who do not use a system, how do you protect your un-zinc'd through-hulls? i realize that this is a very hot topic. i have been reading my calder as well as many online resources. however, opinions seem very divided. members of my grand banks forum all seem to prefer some sort of system. what do other wooden boat owners in this forum think? thanks in advance for your opinions, advice, warnings, etc.

Cheers!
John

[Frank Wentzel]

Hi John

A suggestion for your through-hulls. Replace them with marine grade polymer through-hulls. I know bronze through-hulls have a long and honored history but, as you indicated, they need attention on a regular basis and can damage planking as well. Not that a large number of boats have been sunk through mistaken/neglected maintenance but marine grade polymers make the majority of the issues moot.

/// Frank ///

[cbob]

John, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Why rip out something that appears to have been providing good service. The problem some have with a bonding system is due to improper/weak/failed electric connections between components, rather than the concept, which is very well proven. Faulty connections in a bonding of through hulls in a bonding system is are deadly on the surrounding wood, thus, a good reason to use modern reinforced plastic. Replacing through hulls is far less expensive, than replacing surrounding wood. How about the grounding/bonding of your prop shaft, rudder stock etc. You need to read up on this or get reliable professional help if you're worried. Waterfront anecdotes are worth what they cost. Otherwise possibly your problems in this area are imagined. Luck, cbob