LOVING YOUR CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT TO DEATH – Electro-chemical Destruction / Underwater Rot
The most referenced topic on waitematawoodys is the numerous articles by Chris McMullen on the topic of electro – chemical destruction / underwater rot.
In addition to the on-line searches, I would get 2>3 emails a week. I point them in the right direction, but knowing most people are lazy and don’t read long copy – I normally finifh by saying “its simple do not bond and throw away your zincs”. Sadly I would estimate 50% do not follow the advice. Next time I see a photo of their woody hauled out they say “I just have a small one on the prop shaft and rudder”. I normally delete their ph number from my contacts list. A wee tip – if you own an iPhone you can set the phone to only ring if the caller is in your contacts list. What happens is the call automatically goes to answer ph without ringing.
LINK BELOW TO A 2023 WW STORY ON THE TOPIC + LINKS TO ALL THE OTHER CHRIS MCMULLEN STORIES. https://waitematawoodys.com/2023/03/18/loving-your-boat-to-death-electro-chemical-destruction-underwater-rot/
Many years ago my boat RAINDANCE was bonded and zinced , removed over 10 years ago BUT as the photos below show – the damage was already done.



And another reason – see below – zincs cause brewers droop on classic wooden craft 🙂 Vessel name redacted to save face 🙂
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I can identify with the electro magnetic degradation. Back in 2008 I was refitting my 12 ton Gauntlet yacht ready for going offshore. The refit was being carried out at the Norsand Boatyard in Whangarei and overseen by Noel Barrot. Unfortunately the whole boat had been electrically bonded abd as a result Noel identified 3 Kauri hull planks that had to be replaced. That was an expensive exercise!!
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