Electrolysis on Yachts: Causes, Signs, and Fixes Owners Miss

 Few issues can quietly damage a yacht as quickly as electrolysis. Stray electrical current can accelerate corrosion on underwater metal components, often long before the damage is obvious. Many owners only discover the problem after props, shafts, fittings, or thru-hulls have already deteriorated.

At Yacht Management, a trusted boatyard in Fort Lauderdale, our team handles the full scope of yacht maintenance, including the electrical and bonding systems that are easy to overlook. Understanding the basics of electrolysis on yachts helps you reduce risk, avoid expensive repairs, and keep your vessel performing reliably season after season.

What causes electrolysis on yachts?

Electrolysis occurs when stray electrical current escapes from a vessel’s wiring or connected systems and travels through seawater while seeking a return path to ground. As that current moves through the water, it attacks underwater metals in its path, including propellers, shafts, trim tabs, rudders, and thru-hull fittings.

Common causes include:

  • Faulty electrical components or damaged wiring insulation

  • Improper shore-power connections and polarity issues

  • Corroded terminals, loose connections, or unbonded circuits

  • Weak grounding and bonding systems that allow current to leak into the water

Because electrolysis is an electrical issue, routine inspections by qualified marine technicians are one of the best defences.

The difference between electrolysis and galvanic corrosion

Electrolysis and galvanic corrosion are often confused, but they are not the same.

Galvanic corrosion is a natural reaction that occurs when dissimilar metals interact in seawater. Electrolysis, sometimes called stray current corrosion, involves an external electrical current that speeds up metal loss dramatically. Both can be destructive, and in some cases they can occur at the same time, which is why accurate diagnosis matters.

Signs of electrolysis corrosion owners commonly miss

Early warning signs can be subtle, especially when the damage is below the waterline. Watch for:

  • Pitting or roughness on bronze or stainless components

  • Discoloured paint or blistering around underwater fittings

  • Green or white buildup on props or shafts

  • Rapid anode depletion, which can indicate excessive electrical activity

During routine service, Yacht Management technicians check bonding wires, grounding integrity, and underwater metals for corrosion-related issues before they escalate.

How to detect electrolysis on a yacht

If electrolysis is suspected, testing is the next step. Professionals measure voltage differences between underwater metals and seawater using proper hull potential testing equipment and evaluate the condition of bonding and grounding systems.

While some owners attempt basic checks, professional testing is more reliable because it uses calibrated tools and experienced interpretation. Yacht Management can pinpoint current leaks and isolate their source, helping prevent ongoing underwater damage.

How to fix electrolysis on boats

Stopping electrolysis requires addressing the root cause, not only the symptoms. Short-term actions may include:

  • Replacing worn, missing, or undersized anodes

  • Cleaning and tightening corroded terminals and connectors

  • Correcting bonding issues and isolating problem circuits

Long-term solutions often involve repairing wiring faults, improving grounding and bonding, and installing protective devices such as galvanic isolators where appropriate. If corrosion is advanced, damaged underwater components may need replacement.

As a full-service boatyard in Fort Lauderdale, Yacht Management provides diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades that protect your yacht’s critical systems for long-term reliability.

Preventive yacht maintenance for long-term protection

Preventing electrolysis on yachts starts with consistent, proactive yacht maintenance. We recommend:

  • Testing and recording electrical potentials annually

  • Replacing anodes based on condition, not guesswork

  • Inspecting bonding and grounding continuity during service intervals

  • Scheduling professional checks at least twice per year, especially for vessels kept in Florida conditions where heat and humidity can accelerate corrosion and electrical degradation

At Yacht Management, prevention is built into our approach, from detailed inspections to full electrical refits designed to protect your investment.

FAQ: electrolysis and yacht corrosion

What causes electrolysis on yachts?
Stray electrical current leaking from wiring or shore-power systems enters the water and attacks underwater metal components.

How can I tell if my yacht has electrolysis damage?
Fast anode wear, bubbling paint near fittings, and pitting on underwater metals are common warning signs. Voltage testing can confirm it.

Can electrolysis destroy underwater metal fittings?
Yes. Over time it can weaken or perforate metals such as bronze, aluminium, and stainless steel, leading to failures if ignored.

How often should I check for electrolysis?
At least once per year. If your yacht stays plugged into shore power or lives in saltwater full-time, every six months is a safer cadence.

What is the best way to prevent electrolysis corrosion?
Maintain healthy bonding and grounding systems, keep electrical components in good condition, and schedule routine professional inspections.

Protect your yacht from electrolysis with Yacht Management

Electrolysis on yachts is common, costly, and largely preventable. When you understand how it starts and what to watch for, you can stop corrosion before it compromises your running gear or underwater fittings.

Contact Yacht Management, the leading boatyard in Fort Lauderdale, for expert yacht maintenance and trusted yacht management services. Our team can diagnose, repair, and prevent electrolysis so your vessel stays safe, reliable, and ready for every voyage. For more yacht care guidance, check out our blog for maintenance tips, seasonal advice, and practical ownership best practices.

Click the link below to learn more.

https://www.myyachtmanagement.com/news/2025/electrolysis-on-yachts-causes-signs-and-fixes-owners-miss

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