How to Position Zinc Plates on Boats

When it comes to boating, one concern is the amount of rust that builds up. After all, a large part of your boat spends a majority of time in the water. Zinc plates attract the rust to them and away from other metal parts. This will add to the longevity of your boat and its metal parts. Here's how to check for your zinc plates.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boat
• Zinc plates around metal pieces in the water

1. Look at the underside of the prop on your boat. On the underside of the motor where the propellers turn, you should find a zinc plate with a small rudder sticking out of it. (The size of the mini rudder will literally be a couple of inches.) Position the zinc plate so that it is in line with the propeller. Though minor, that mini rudder helps you control steering on the boat. If there is no zinc plate (meaning it's fallen off) then it needs replacing to avoid rust.

2. Look for zinc plates on your trim tabs. These are located below the prop mounted on the underside of the boat.

3. Check to make sure zinc plates are on your boot mounts as well. With zinc plates in these three locations on your boat, you will be in good shape for repelling and breaking down rust before it hits the vital part of your boat's prop.

Tips & Warnings

• If you store your boat for the Winter check the position of your zinc plates before you put it in the water for the season. A once a year visual inspection will be enough to see if they are okay. If your boat stays in the water year round, create a checklist of items, like checking the position of these zinc plates.

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