Zincs slipping?

[Audrey II]

In the past I never had any issues with zincs slipping down on the shafts. Since I moved the boat to the sound/saltwater I have had more deterioration on the zincs making them loose enough to slip down the shaft. There is still plenty of zinc left to function but I'm looking for a way to prevent them from moving. Is there some sort of bedding compond that would prevent this? I can't make them any tighter without risking breaking them.

 

[HOGAN]

Are you hitting them with a hammer to make sure they are secure in the shaft?

 

[HOGAN]

Dave, didn't you remove your coffee maker? If so, how did you do it?

 

[Audrey II]

In the past I never had any issues with zincs slipping down on the shafts. Since I moved the boat to the sound/saltwater I have had more deterioration on the zincs making them loose enough to slip down the shaft. There is still plenty of zinc left to function but I'm looking for a way to prevent them from moving. Is there some sort of bedding compond that would prevent this? I can't make them any tighter without risking breaking them.

Dave, didn't you remove your coffee maker? If so, how did you do it?

It was a major PITA! The bolts are under a board that the microwave sits on. I broke the plastic then I was able to remove the bolts if I recall correctly it's been years!

 

[Cam]

Are you hitting them with a hammer to make sure they are secure in the shaft?

I agree with Hogan. You need to seat them on the shaft with a hammer, then tighten them down.

 

[Audrey II]

Are you hitting them with a hammer to make sure they are secure in the shaft?

Not sure what you mean about hitting them with a hammer? When I mount them they are secure but as the deteriorate they get loose.

 

[Audrey II]

I guess I will try using a rubber mallet.

 

[Cam]

When you are placing the zincs onto the shaft, start by putting on half of the zinc, then tap it with a hammer to seat it. You do not have to hit it hard. Then place the other half and start to bolt them together. Snug it up pretty tight, then tap the other half with the hammer and finish tightening. Done! They should never slip on you again, until they are basically gone and need replacement again.

 

[pdecat]

A metal hammer is fine.

 

[HOGAN]

Dave, use a real hammer, you need to really whack it to get it to seat firmly on the shaft.

 

[November Charlie]

Yep. Bolt them snug, then ring them with a big deadblow hammer on both sides, then tighten more. Never use any compound or anything at all between zincs and shaft. Just hit them hard with a hammer a few times and re-tighten.

 

[November Charlie]

Dave, use a real hammer, you need to really whack it to get it to seat firmly on the shaft.

Real hammer works too. I just prefer a deadblow because there’s usually one nearby when I’ve done zincs.

 

[boatbum]

I always used a hammer. Give them several good solid whacks on each side. You will be surprised how much more tightening they required because they loosen up. I also hammered the zincs on the trim tabs though not as hard. This technique should also be applied to zincs on out drives or outboards. If you are tapping the zincs or they do not require a second tightening you are not hitting them hard enough.

 

[Stephen]

I alternate between whacking them and tightening them three times. I also double-nut the rudder zinc.

 

[RWS]

If they are LOOSE - they are likely not effectively doing their job

RWS

 

[walterv]

I guess I will try using a rubber mallet.

I use a regular hammer and bang them hard. Tighten all the way, bang with a good sized hammer, then tighten again. You will be surprised how much tighter you get it. Then after that repeat, you will get it a little tighter.

 

[RWS]

Suggest a dead blow hammer.

Rubber mallet will not be effective. PERIOD

This is why your zincs are slipping

RWS

 

[boatbum]

Baby sledge and leave some flat spots on the zincs.

 

[Gregory S]

I always thought that's why the zincs have a flat spot on each side already?

 

[RWS]

Here's a few photos of my replacing the shaft zincs last week.

The boat is lift kept behind the house.

Getting in the dinghy at low tide makes this an easy job. In summer I've also done it in the water. It's not difficult.


Allen wrench, dead blow hammer and emery cloth(not pictured)



There are 4 allen screws to loosen


Exposed, unpainted shaft



Emery cloth strip for easy and quick clean up



Snugged up the new zinc - note the X mark. This is where you whack it with the dead blow hammer



keep tightening the zinc before and after the hammer hits and donn't be shy about hitting it hard, or tightening it up REAL tight

It's BOATERED..... right?

RWS