Ask SAIL: Prop Zinc Deterioration
PROP ZINC DETERIORATION Q: My 2014 Dehler 38 has a Volvo saildrive 130S-F and a two-blade Flexofold prop. After six months in the Annapolis area,
PROP ZINC DETERIORATION Q: My 2014 Dehler 38 has a Volvo saildrive 130S-F and a two-blade Flexofold prop. After six months in the Annapolis area,
I’m trying to determine why the diesel fuel for my 4.108 low-line Perkins is getting black. I use the word “black” instead of dirty, because the fuel looks as if it is getting crankcase oil (or soot) mixed in it.
In 1995 my family and I circumnavigated Cuba, collecting data for my book, Cuba: a Cruising Guide. I had assumed then that relations between the United States and Cuba would soon be normalized, and that the lifting of the embargo would unleash a flood of American sailors eager to explore Cuban waters.
My 35ft Cooper 353 sloop, Rhumb Line, has a Volvo MD2030 saildrive. The zinc between the saildrive and three-bladed folding Volvo-supplied propeller comes loose and rotates on the shaft.
The warnings are ubiquitous. On the plaque in the Tobermory distillery that declares: “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whiskey.”
There is a soot-like buildup on the face of the alternator on my diesel engine. I have not noticed any fumes or exhaust leakage in the engine compartment.
I was reading “Seeing the Light” (May 2014) about solar power on a budget, and it got me thinking about a similar problem I’ll be facing soon. This summer I will be moving my boat to a dock where there is no shore power for my battery charger.
I was interested in the article by Nigel Calder in the February 2012 edition on the H2OUT dehumidifier and think it is something that I might install.
Last year, I purchased a 2000 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37. The boat had been chartered, but was well maintained. Its Yanmar 3GM30F engine started easily and ran well during the survey, but a few weeks after closing, an engine stringer broke, and the repair required that the engine be removed. After it was reinstalled, I began to experience intermittent starting problems.
In the August 2010 issue, Nigel Calder discussed zinc corrosion. As recommended I installed a galvanic isolator in an attempt to stop rapid zinc corrosion and blistering

The foiling grand prix fleet made a stop in New York this week, but tricky conditions on Saturday left some out of the racing. Still, the home team moved up the leaderboard and a few notable names joined the racers.

Take a look inside the build process of a foiling Classe Mini 6.50 as Peter Gibbons-Neff gears up for a second go at the Mini Transat.

In praise of the Melges 15, a class that has grown to prominence in recent years, and for good reason.

Where you’ve seen her work: the iconic Transpac photography at Diamond Head light, The Ultimate Sailing Calendar Sharon Green’s photography career began suddenly and with

How and why to make your next adventure a trip aboard Other People’s Boats.

Sailing the “Standing Mast Route” Through The Netherlands

When it comes to managing a blow, reefing is just one part of the equation.

The Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) needs your help with compiling data about collisions and other encounters at sea. Click here to review the reporting

In part one of our series on yachting’s most iconic photographers, Onne van der Wal offers insight and advice from his storied career.
![Ted_Turner_April_1985-Bernard-Gotfryd-2048x Photo from Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Bernard Gotfryd, [Reproduction number e.g., LC-USZ62-12345]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.sailmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06145433/Ted_Turner_April_1985-Bernard-Gotfryd-2048x.jpg?w=1024)
Sailing Hall of Famer, America’s Cup legend, and founder of CNN dies at age 87.