Floatplane corrosion

[sueonkent]

Can anybody give me some advice on the use of sacrifiial anodes on floats in salt water use.What type to use and/or other applications that help reduce salt water corrosion in seaplanes,
Al

[sprayrail]

We used to put zinc blocks on the float keel aft of the step, on the aft bulkhead of each float and for good measure on the water rudder(s). These help to slow down the corrosion action but the best method is to make sure you flush regularly with fresh water and make sure you use the corrosion inhibitor like someone else is buying it. Depending on where you're operating a lake or river closeby may help in that regard also. Thats my past experience and I can't say we ever had much trouble.

Regards

[I_Heart_Seaplanes]

There are two types that I have seen. Usually one placed on each spray rail, skeg, and water rudder.

This one is prettier, pricer and probably "approved" http://www.lakeandair.com/Sacrificial-Anode-p/2933.htm

The other type is a large chunk 1/2" to 1" thick zinc, cut into 2x2 squares with a hole drilled into each block. This type is definitely more work, cheaper. and probably, "less than approved"

Oh yea ACF-50, and lots of it

[trey kule]

I might be able to help. what you need is a complete, ongoing, and thorough program.

And it eill depend on how many times the a/c is moved out of salt water (ie every day). Is it amphib?
If it piston or trubine? And do you have lots of fresh water, high pressure available.

PM me with the details and I will go through a simple program with youl

[hoptwoit]

Re, sacraficial anodes. Don't let the owner paint them. They must remain uncoated and unpainted to do their job!

[seasonaldriver]

As was implied/stated in posts here, corrosion control is pretty much only a concern in saltwater. Is there any reason for a sacrificial anode on an amphib that operates ONLY in fresh water? Seems to me to be a bit overkill on the part of the owner, but then, I'm ignorant of a lot of things, too.

[Pavese]

There are two types that I have seen. Usually one placed on each spray rail, skeg, and water rudder.

This one is prettier, pricer and probably "approved" http://www.lakeandair.com/Sacrificial-Anode-p/2933.htm

That's a rudder anode, probably "approved" for your rich uncle's sailboat. We use them on undersea equipment.

http://www.boatzincs.com/rudder.html

D

[seasonaldriver]

Looks exactly like the one clamped to both water rudders of an amphib Caravan I saw.

[Pavese]

Looks exactly like the one clamped to both water rudders of an amphib Caravan I saw.

LOL! Probably why they call them rudder anodes

D

[GyvAir]

Is there any reason for a sacrificial anode on an amphib that operates ONLY in fresh water?

I've seen some very corroded keels on floats that have never seen the sea.
The anode material required will differ depending on the operating environment.
I couldn't find a good summary for seaplanes, but found these webpages to be fairly educational:

http://www.boatzincs.com/pdfs/Chart_B-W ... _I_Use.pdf

http://www.martyranodes.com/content/mar ... Anodes.pdf