boat lift mast corrosion

[dogdoc]

We had to replace the mast on my small boat lift due to corrosion and mollusk overgrowth. This occurred mostly due to neglect by the previous owner. New mast has a new zinc and I will use it enough to prevent mollusk growth. My question, is some of the corrosion due to galvanic reaction . I would assume there is a connection between the lift and ground at some point. Does this occur in this situation and are preventative measures indicated. A simple outlet/plug remedy would eliminate the potential ground connection except when in use.
What do others think?

 

[g0tagrip]

I went through two lifts behind my house in PCB. I had two very large zincs on both big beams and changed them every year. I had neighbors on both sides of me have their lifts fail because they did not use the big zincs and they left their lift motors plugged in. Salt water, plus stray electricity will kill the lift fairly quickly. Depending on how much stray electricity is running around your lift, you may have to change the zincs more frequently. Just because you are smart enough to unplug your motors your neighbors may not, so I would check your zincs every 6-9 months.

 

[dogdoc]

Looks like a 20 amp twist lock plug/outlet is in order. If ground is disconnected there is no circuit for galvanic rxn right?

 

[Fishtales]

I would go with the zincs. Make sure you have a clean connection and change them out every year. Cheap insurance.

 

[dogdoc]

New zinc is there courtesy of lift installer and will change religiously, but will also disconnect except for the brief time in use