mercathode

[Familyman1981]

hey i purchased a boat recently and after looking it over i see that there is a push button box that says mercathode on it and it is not operational. i dont know what this is for or if i even need it to be working. can anyone tell me what it's used for and a recommendation if i need to get it in proper working order.

 

[burp]

Re: mercathode

Mercathode is to help prevent outdrive corrosion. It should be fused (20 amp) and powered directly from the battery.

 

[Familyman1981]

Re: mercathode

is it necessary to be in working order?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: mercathode

is it necessary to be in working order?

What your asking is sort of like asking if its necessary to have decent tires on a car.....is it necessary? no, is it a good idea? absolutely. it cuts down corrosion on the boat which I believe can destroy the outdrive so yeah I would get it working before anymore damage occurs

 

[wire2]

Re: mercathode

To put it in perspective, I'll guess that far fewer than 20% of the Mercruiser drives out there have a Mercathode system installed. Most rely on sacrificial anodes.

But since you got it essentially "free", try to get it working, it's more effective than anodes.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: mercathode

If you aren't leaving your boat moored in salt water, you don't need it.

 

[Familyman1981]

Re: mercathode

i tried doing a google search and all i could find for mercathode was it being used in saltwater like your saying bruceb58. that's why i wasn't sure if i need it on my boat since i leave my boat in my garage when it's not in the water. and the only places i take my boat is fresh water in the river or lake. so unless i'm in saltwater i don't need it. right? thanks again to all.

 

[NYBo]

Re: mercathode

Yes, you should be fine without it. If you plan to leave the boat in the water for a week or more at a time, just be sure the sacrificial anodes (a.k.a. "zincs") are in place.