BoatHowTo · video

What this video covers

Stray current corrosion caused a stainless steel rudder post to disintegrate, leading to the loss of a rudder at sea.2:15 The failure originated inside the steering pedestal, where a poorly secured wiring harness chafed against the steering chain.1:35 This contact breached the insulation of a positive conductor, creating a fault path that traveled through the steering chain to the rudder quadrant and post.1:50 The current exited the rudder post into the water, completing the circuit through the propeller and shaft back to the battery negative.2:11 This process consumed the metal rapidly, leaving a white residue on the zincs while failing to consume the zincs themselves.1:31 Proper installation and support of electrical circuits prevent these faults from reaching the water.2:25 Bonding the rudder post to the battery negative would have provided a return path for the fault, potentially preventing the external corrosion.2:52 Even low-amperage faults of one to four amps can destroy metal fittings quickly.3:04

More from BoatHowTo

Boat ELECTRIC PROPULSION with only LEAD ACID Batteries ?? | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDERSept 2026MaxProp: More Pitch in Reverse than in Forward? 🤔 | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDERSept 2026Common Ground Point with Isolated Saildrives | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDERSept 2026How to keep you TANK CLEAN in the days of BIODIESEL.. | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDERAug 2026

From BoatHowTo — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.