Prevent damage through measurements
Corrosion processes on metal parts in underwater areas no longer have to be a closed book. A silver chloride reference electrode can be used to measure whether a component in seawater has sufficient anodic protection by means of a sacrificial anode. In the case of aluminium or steel hulls, this voltage measurement can even be carried out for the entire hull.
To use, the electrode is immersed in water by its cable next to the boat and connected to the negative side of the multimeter. The positive side of the multimeter must be conductively connected to the component to be measured or the hull. The measured value is then read off.
The correct millivolt range for different materials is specified in the instructions for the electrode. It can also be found in the electrochemical voltage series for metals in seawater (YACHT 16/2012). If the measured value falls within the specified range, protection is provided by the sacrificial anode. If the measured value is more positive, the protection is insufficient, for example due to too few or excessively worn anodes. However, the cause may also be leakage currents due to insulation faults in the on-board electrical system.
The"Corrosion Reference Electrode" is supplied with a 7.60 metre cable. It is available from the US manufacturer Boatzincs for around 140 dollars plus shipping and customs duties. Comparable products are available in France from Galvatest ( www.galvatest.eu ). A multimeter is not included in the scope of delivery.
In YACHT-Ausprobiert the product received fromBoatzincs five out of five stars
More protection for aluminium hulls
Wrapped in zinc
Whoever uses the zinc coatingInversalu on his aluminium fuselage, he practically brushes a sacrificial anode onto the fuselage ( Workshop in YACHT 10/2022 ). The two-component product consisting of zinc powder and binder is also intended to protect against fouling, but this is only moderate.
Hanging part
In addition to welded-on anodes, pendulum anodes made of zinc are also suitable for aluminium yachts in the harbour. The integrated steel cable is conductively connected to the deck, then the anodes are suspended in the water. Various sizes are available from specialised dealers.
Solder better
Gas is a good alternative for soldering irons that work without a socket ( Test see YACHT 3/2022 ). Busching now offers the multifunctional soldering iron set"Hot" an electric battery-powered soldering iron. The advantage is the very fast heat-up time and a continuous operating time of 45 to 90 minutes. 420 degrees Celsius should be reached in just a few seconds. The maximum temperature is 600 degrees. The lithium-ion battery is charged using a USB cable. The set comes with three different attachments for soldering and heat-shrink tubing. The case measures 275 x 170 x 45 millimetres and weighs 510 grams. Price: 134.90 euros.
Sleep better
Gisatex has launched a topper that is designed to make split mattresses more comfortable by closing the lying surface. The topper, called Vital-Solo, also promises to equalise upholstery that is too hard or too soft. The core of the topper, which is wrapped in washable cover fabric, is made of 20 millimetre thick Dryweave, the manufacturer's spacer fabric that prevents moisture under mattresses. In the mattress topper, it relieves pressure and dissipates heat. The underside of the knitted fabric is connected to a thinner layer of Dryweave, which is ventilated. We have theVital Solo and can confirm the promised effect. The standard mattress is now significantly more comfortable, sleep is subjectively more restful and heat is dissipated. The Vital-Solo is made to measure according to a template and costs 249 euros per square metre.
In YACHT-Ausprobiert the product received fromGisatex four out of five stars
