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Hi all,
This weekend I finally got around to my list of boating projects. I had noticed some corrosion on the outdrive and realized I was using zinc anodes rather than magnesium in fresh water. While installing new magnesium anodes to the outdrive I noticed that there is not good contact between the gimbal plate and that anode. The gimbal plate is completely painted and it appears the only contact is from the stainless bolt that goes through the gimbal plate into the anode. The transom anode has a nice clean contact patch where the anode can mate. Is this gimbal plate attachment OK ? Should I grind or sand off the paint so I get a good contact patch? Should I add a ground strap from the gimbal plate anode to another part of the outdrive?
Thanks for any help.
Rob

_________________
Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180

Rob,

All individual components of the outdrive and transom assembly that are potentially at risk of not being electrically connected to the anodes are (or rather, should be) connected with bonding wires. This includes the trim cylinders and the hose clamps on the 2 bellows.

The bolts holding the anodes on have serrated "star" washers that cut into the metal and make electrical contact. After changing anodes, it's a good idea to check there is electrical continuity between the anodes and the various components, using a multimeter.

Graham

Thanks Graham,
I will check with an ohm meter to see if I have continuity between the anode and a few places on the outdrive.
Rob

_________________
Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180