Loctite on zinc for saildrive?

Posted by oldmaninparadise@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 5 comments

Putting on new zinc for saildrive and collar for prop. Put a drop of blue loctite on or no need?

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TheVoiceOfEurope@reddit

I wouldn't as locktite is an isolator. If you do, make sure to measure with a multimeter that the anode has a good connection. I've never had an anode fall off due to the bolts coming lose. Also, getting the bolts off would be a problem. The problem is too stuck instead of too loose.

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NarcisSisyphusRankin@reddit

I'm an electrical engineer for a boat manufacturer.

Loctite is great for thread retention, and it keeps stainless-steel-to-stainless-steel from cold welding to each other, so it also--ironically--acts as an anti-seize.

However it's electrically non-conductive. If it's in the current path it will block electrical flow, which means your anode ('zinc') will not do it's job.

Often, the mounting function of the prop anode's inner taper will be in contact with the bronze of the tapered propellor nut, and a stainless screw will just hold it on the end. If that's the case you definitely SHOULD use Loctite. Blue's probably a good strength for you.

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oldmaninparadise@reddit (OP)

Thanks. Google says to do it, I will take your advice having done this for hundreds of boats.

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Bigfops@reddit

Did my own collar zinc for the first time this year. Tips I found were: No loctite, you want it to be easer to get off next year, tef on the bolts, wire brush to remove old corrosion first, test continuity afterwards if you can find an unpainted screw of something on your saildrive.

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mikeboatman@reddit

Not necessary. I've never heard of anyone doing that and I've never had a problem with the hundreds of anodes I've installed on customers boats and my own.