Marinette Boat Forum

Questions on Capac and hull protection. I have a new to me boat that did not come with shore power. I installed an isolation translation former rather than going with a galvanic isolator. My understanding is this will protect my boat from stray currents from other boats as I am isolated from dock ground.My capac reads around 6 or 7, could a 12 volt short to hull damage the hull and could this be one reason for low reading? Anodes are in pretty good shape but have not removed and cleaned hull and anode to ensure good bond. Also would condition of bottom paint affect reading? Thank you for any replies Todd

Gotta love spell check/ isolation transformer

Yeah, but spell checkers can get you into trouble with certain words.

That CAPAC reading is far too low--should be 9 to 10. If you're in fresh water, I'd recommend adding magnesium to your trim tabs. A block added to one of mine bumped the readings up to 9 plus.

Jeff

Jeff the trim tabs do have anodes but not sure of the bond and would assume they are aluminum? Do you think this reading can be caused from a 12 volt short to hull on my boat?

I just ordered magnesium guppie to hang over side until boat is pulled and I can check anode bonds etc. and will redo bottom before next season.

A cleaning alone will improve the situation. I'd also clean the wire contacts on the meter itself. Did that once and got a slightly better reading.

I was in brackish (Chesapeake Bay) water and sometimes got low readings, too- 6 or 7. We had no galvanic problems discernible. But this is always fascinating stuff so yes, I'd be concerned. Pls report back after you use the guppy thing