I dove yesterday to replace the anode on my drive shaft which had been reduced by electrolysis to the size of a dime from about a 12 oz cone od zinc. I had to plan this for high tide slack tide to avoid the 3-4 knot current flowing through Nassau harbour which would have made the job much more challenging - about a dozen snorkel dives later, the job was done successfully. Electrolysis happens in marinas when stray electrical current from surrounding boats or the dock create a pefect battery reaction with the salt water and eat the softest metals first (sacrificial zinc anodes are installed for this purpose) before eating your prop and driveshaft and ultimately sinking your boat!
Nassau not on my list of favourites...we are in the grubby end of town, no sidewalks, sketchy neighbourhood - one of our party was mugged in broad daylight on a main street for his gold chain - he punched the thief a few timess and got his chain back but lost his wedding ring off the chain in the scuffle. We immediately took our watches and jewelry off when we have gone out since. They seem have a poverty and crime problem here which may account for the poorer tourist turnouts. Bimini was much friendlier.
The wind is still blowing 20 knots so we opted to stay another day and plan to go to Allen Cay/Highbourne Cay in the Exumas chain tomorrow (33 miles approx). I am getting Marina fever. Cio
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