Wet Moorage in the salt

I am no electrical expert, but I think with just a portion of the skeg in the water, the motor is mostly in danger of having a dirty skeg. Now that skeg is an electrical connection to the water but I am really not sure how much corrosion can occur on the rest of the motor not submerged. From my own observations of motors doing the same skeg dip, it looks like the rest of the transom is not suffering any ill effects. The added electrical activity could accelerate corrosion on that motor or elsewhere connected to it where you have high corrosion potential such as a stainless screw in aluminum. I would check the skeg and motor mount at least for pitting after the first month and go from there. There are skeg protector products out there that may help but there may also be a paint or coating you could dip the skeg in for a barrier.

What do other people think on this? Makes me curious as well.
 
Peter, My kicker is also in the water a few inches when at the dock. It is a non issue. There is a zinc on the kicker, just keep an eye on it. One thing about being in the water, you will spend more time checking over all of your systems, cleaning and waxing, looking for potential problems, and enjoying sunsets and a well earned sundowner.

Robbi
 
Robbi and all,

I was thinking earlier just that very thought. "Peter, you're way overthinking this whole wet moorage thing. Just go out and ENJOY the boat!". Which is exactly what I intend to do this spring, summer and fall. Thanks all for your great advice!!

Peter
 
Peter, Thinking about your C-Dory is a good thing! Worrying about your C-Dory is ok in limited amounts. Enjoying your C-Dory, now that is what it is all about! :D C-Dancer is lucky to have such great owners. :love

Robbi
 
Generally when the skeg is partly in the water (has happens in my Caracal)--the lower part of the engine bracket is also in the water, and there is a zinc (magnesium or alumium depending on the amount of fresh or salt water) on the bracket. The part which is in the water needs to be protected with two part epoxy stronchium or Zinc Chromate, a base coat of epoxy with solids and then a bottom paint compatable with aluminum. In my perticular case, the skeg has a fair amount of abrasion, since during the winter months I have to run over a sand bar with as little as 15" water depth at low tides. This means fairly frequent repainting of the lower unit.
 
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