Yacht repair specialist and Marine Surveyor Michael Weston, of Aquamarine Services, has seen more than his share of boats in dire need of maintenance. He shares some useful DIY suggestions for bonding system maintenance for boat owners in Club Marine Magazine.
Boat manufacturers generally implement a corrosion control or ‘bonding’ system in their vessels to safeguard the integral metal components that will be directly in contact with water.
This article highlights the importance of maintaining the bonding system, which includes through-hull valves, skin fittings, and sea strainers. The system also involves the essential copper wire or strap that connects everything. In a wet environment with constant wind and current motion, no system is immune to corrosion and wear. Coatings, dehumidifiers, tie wraps, and clamps all help minimise deterioration of components in this harsh environment and are standard tools. However, nothing beats periodic visual inspections of your boat’s system. Open and close each underwater valve monthly or bi-monthly, and touch, feel, or jiggle hose clamps, bonding connections, or mounting screws to check for tightness.
Whether you perform your own maintenance or have a contractor or boatyard inspect your vessel, the inspections remain the same. If you’re unsure or don’t have the time, have a professional complete these checks.
Continue reading this article about bonding system maintenance to keep your vessel in shipshape condition.
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