electrolysis from downriggers???

playinhooky · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:24 am **Posts:** 104

Just bought a new 20 ft aluminum and wondering if electolysis from electric downriggers is a possibility. Just don't want to ruin a brand new boat.I had my downriggers previously mounted on my fiberglass boat so there were no worries.Thanks.

Superdad · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2012 5:55 pm

electrolysis- I thought that was about hair removal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David aka Superdad

Jim Lyon · **Joined:** Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:12 pm **Posts:** 423

I would think it is a non issue. You could take a multi meter and check for continuity between the cable and your boat while in the water. There must be a million boats set up like yours...might be different in salt water but i think you are OK. Go fish

Trannyman1 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:14 am

The problem is usually not an issue with metal boats. However if you want to check like Jim suggests use a voltmeter with the negative lead on the negative terminal of the battery and the positive lead on the down rigger cable with the boat running a trolling speed and all riggers in the water. Voltage should be below .5 volts.

Fiberglass boats have a greater chance of a problem.

Al

Aquasport200ccp · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:45 am

[/Fiberglass boats have a greater chance of a problem.\]

Al[/quote] how do you figure that?

Trannyman1 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:10 am

Fiberglass is not water proof. There is always a certain amout of moisture in the glass and will conduct small voltages.

Out of all the boats that I have tested glass always have higher voltage readings.

Not a problem because we are talking about small amounts. If you get above .8 of a volt it will shut down the kings but the steelies will still bite up to .9 volts

A couple sites to answer your questions.

http://www.scotty.com/scotty-support/do ... 202003.pdf

http://www.protroll.com/books/?id=5

Fred Fisher · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 3:46 pm

Hi Playinhookie. You don't have to worry to much about the electrolysis and boat corrosion as your boat would have to be as old as Al and I before you would prob see any effects. My brother has a welded aluminum that he built in 1970 and this boat has been used for years with 6 down riggers and i don't see any corrosion problems. Dents and battle scars are another story but pay attention to what Al is saying here about the voltage in your rigger cable and fish strikes. He is spot on about it attracting bites or repelling them but if you are still worried about it you could mount you riggers with an isolating mount like the Scotty Black Plastic ones.... Fred....

Trannyman1 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2012 7:33 pm

Fred, it will not change anything by mounting them that way. It is the stainless steel down rigger cable and the diecast aluminum outdrive that causes the problem.

I change the anodes on the boat atleast once a year and others I acid dip to clean.

Al

playinhooky · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:24 am **Posts:** 104

Thanks for the reply guys

Napanee · **Joined:** Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:01 pm **Posts:** 226

Some folks zinc the heck out of their boats on the coast, not for salt, nor electrolysis, but to ensure their boat is either neutral or emitting a small positive charge. Just a small percentage, usually the more avid anglers. Just a tidbit.

Napanee

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electrolysis from downriggers???

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