Boats need constant maintenance to remain safe and operational. Some of this includes properly maintaining zincs on the vessel's bottom, which is an important part of protecting your boat from rusting.
There are multiple ways to zinc plate buy online, but getting zinc plates isn't too difficult when you know how to choose the right ones.
What Are Zinc Plates?
Zinc plates are metal disks placed on the bottom of a boat to protect it from rusting. They work by corroding instead of the boat, sacrificing themselves in the process to protect the metal beneath them.
Zinc Plate Selection
There are many different brands of zincs to zinc plate buy online, so the first step in choosing the right one is finding out how much protection you need. This can vary depending on where your boat will be used, but most boaters use AC-Tech or ACB zincs for their primary levels of protection.
Choose the Right Size of the Plate
Once you know how much protection you need, the next step is to find the right size of zinc plates for sale. This will depend on both the boat and the type of zinc chosen. For example, a 6" x 12" ACB zinc can be used for most boats, but a 9" x 12" zinc may be necessary for boats that travel in saltwater.
Choose the Right Shape
Once you've determined the size of your zinc, it's time to choose the shape. There are three common shapes: disk, bar, and rod. Disk-shaped zincs are ideal for boats with a deep V-hull, while bar-shaped zinc works well on boats with a flat bottom.
Finally, rod-shaped zincs have a raised lip on them and are best for boats without many freeboards. If you use a boat with a flat bottom most of the time but occasionally take it out onto choppy waters, it might be beneficial to get rods that can accommodate both conditions.
Getting the Right Amount of Zinc
The final step in getting the right zinc plates for sale is to ensure you're getting the right amount of zinc. This can be done by using a simple calculation: (Hull Length + Hull Width) x .001 = Minimum Plate Size.
For example, a boat with the following dimensions would need a minimum plate size of 1.5 x .25: Length = 26' Width = 8'3"
Once you've found out how much zinc you'll need, it's time to find the right supplier and order your new zincs.
Installation
Once you've chosen the right zinc, it's time to install it. This can be done in several ways: bolting, welding, or screwing it down.
Bolting is the most common installation method and can be done with a simple washer and screw. However, you will need to ensure that the screw is long enough and won't break through the zinc plate.
Welding is a good option if you'll be sending your boat out for blasting or painting work, as you can remove the zinc before this occurs.
Finally, if you're not planning on removing the zincs, screwing them down is a good option.
No matter which installation method you choose, it's essential to ensure that the zinc plate is tight against the hull and won't move around. This can be done in a few different ways, but the most common is to use a zinc bracket.
The zinc bracket will hold the zinc in place and easy replacement when needed.
Maintaining Your Zinc Plates
Once your zinc plates are installed, you'll need to make sure to maintain them properly. This can be done by checking the plates every few months and ensuring that they're still in good condition. If they're not, you can either clean them or replace them with a new one.
Cleaning can be done by using a wire brush to remove any build-up on the plate or using a vinegar/water mixture to clean it off.
Zinc Replacement
Replacing your zincs is an important part of boat maintenance and should be done at least once a year. A zinc plug or anode can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, so tracking when they need to be replaced is essential. Replacing your zincs is a relatively easy process and can be done by most boaters.
Zinc plates are integral to boat protection, as they help prevent rusting from occurring. Many different brands and sizes of zincs are available, so it's important to know which one is right for your boat.
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