Checking for source of electrolysis - good info read whole thread

[M R Dux]

I’ve recently noticed some slight corrosion on my Ultrex motor foot. Looking closer in other areas, I’m seeing similar corrosion. I checked with my local electronics dealer as well as the tech guy at my boat company. Both say there is some kind of voltage/current running thru my hull.

Rickie and I rigged this boat from bare hull and can safely say there are no grounds hooked to the hull. I’ve recently switched to Lithium batteries and lithium individual chargers.

Can somebody point me toward info as to where I need to start my search for an electrical issue? How would I even try to identify stray voltage/current? Everything on this boat is two years or less old.


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[slowhand]

Start from the latest additions and work back. Sounds like something is seeking ground, perhaps the chargers pulling current back when unplugged?
Can your battery app show any unusual current spikes when you plug/unplug chargers?

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[BuckeyeCrappie]

Doing some reading Capt Doug..

one thing I found.

Electrolysis on Boats: What You Need to Know

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Something else…

Electrolysis, Stray Current, Galvanic Corrosion on boats explained

[slowhand]

Saw a video on YouTube on a tuneup of a 250 Yamaha. They replaced both anodes on the outside of the motor, as well as one that was hidden inside the lower unit.

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[DockShootinJack]

A good ohm meter would could definitely help

[speckfinder]

The cranking battery negative post is connected to the hull via the motor.

[DockShootinJack]

Very true

[M R Dux]

An inspection didn’t cause any issue to jump out at me. In the process of now pulling each battery out and checking all wiring to that battery. As you can imagine, this boat has a half dozen pumps BURIED in the deep bowels of the hull. I’m going to take all 3 batteries out and then the battery box floor and check for the obvious.

I’ve read all I can find, including what was sent to me(thanks Buckeye) and watched every YouTube video I can find. Most deal with salt water hulls. Mine has never seen salt water.

I have and know how to use a high end VOM but can’t find instructions as to use it to check for a source of stray voltage.

I have calls in to an electronics and aluminum boat dealer, an Excel dealer, and my lithium battery company.

More later.


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[M R Dux]

During my checks , I decided to check out my corroded (slightly) anodes. The boat has a pair of R3 zinc anodes on the transom. Zinc is designed for salt water use only. Aluminum is for brackish water and magnesium is for fresh water. I am afraid since my zinc anodes had a film of oxidation over them, they weren’t providing the protection they did when the boat was new.
I’m going to keep checking for issues.

Blake from Skinny Water Marine got with me and told me how to check for voltage leak. I’m going to check that. I’m afraid a slight issue over two years time could have caused this and without pulling every piece of electrical equipment out along with inspecting every inch of wire, it may be a phantom I have to deal with.


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