Electrolyte: A medium which conducts current by ion flow (i.e. water)

Anode: A metal which corrodes to protect another metal (i.e. prop shaft, rudder, hull)

Cathode: A metal which is protected by another metal (i.e. bronze and stainless steel fittings)

Metallic Pathway: A medium which conducts current by electron flow (i.e. boat hull, bonding and electrical systems)

Galvanic corrosion is the most common form of corrosion that attacks boats and marine equipment. This type of corrosion develops when different types of metals that are electrically common are submerged into water. For example, when a boat equipped with a steel rudder that is bonded to a bronze or stainless steel fitting is placed into the water, the steel rudder will corrode. In this example, the steel rudder becomes the anode and the more noble metals such as bronze or stainless steel become the cathodes. The water is the electrolyte and the metallic path is the ship’s hull (if metal) or ship’s bonding system.

Did you know when you are tied in to shore power at your marina, your boat’s zinc may be providing current to your neighbor’s unprotected fittings and to the dock grounding system? This will deplete your anodes at a much faster rate and after the anodes are sufficiently depleted, corrosion will start eating away at your stainless steel shaft, rudder, and other metal parts of your boat. 

If this sounds confusing, RELAX!

Corrosion is nothing more than a "battery" that forms naturally between different types of metals in a boat when the boat is placed into the water. Batteries or corrosion cells also often develop between different boats in a marina when they are connected to a common power source on the dock. When this situation occurs people often refer to the marina as a "HOT" marina.

We can solve your galvanic corrosion problems and reduce your zinc replacement costs with a simple, cost effective and proven solution. Install the Salty Dogg™ I Anode to take care of your galvanic corrosion problems.