Earthing strip

[colinnz]

Hi all. Doing some repairs to the plywood under the rear bunks. Noted the earth strip corroded and broken in a fair few places and again where it runs onto the top of the 'P' bracket (I think - raised portion under bunk).

I assume the earth run is common all through the boat and this would be the place it 'grounds' to the sea? Any opinions or experience out there? I am going to ensure the engine earth (which seems to be a common central point for all electrical fittings) is reconnected before putting bunks back. I assume that is a good idea?

Thanks in advance.

[Zanshin]

On my old 43DS the strip had corroded completely away - there was just a vague green path and no copper left at all! You should replace that grounding path to the P-Bracket while you have the chance.

[mesteve]

What’s the P bracket?

[Charlie-Bravo]

P bracket is the support bracket containing a bearing for the rear end of the prop shaft
CB

[andreshs1]

HI Colin

Mine is also on its lasts days, I am planning on replacing with standard earth wire, does it need to be special?

Cheers

[Charlie-Bravo]

Braid cable was used as solid wire has a slight tendency to fracture with vibration, having said that, braid has a tendency to hang on to water in the bilge and or condensation between its strands and corrosion sets in .. you can't win.
Worth replacing with 4-6mmsq cable or larger as low resistance helps the anode protection circuit .

I would think standard earth cable would work just fine, and if it fractures you will discover that when you resistance test your hull anode to prop shaft, p bracket on the annual haul out.

The hardest bit of replacement on some Jeanneau is the connection of braid to p bracket bolt got buried in resin and gel coat at the factory, and some excavation and cleaning of a stud to reconnect a new cable is often required.

CB

[colinnz]

Yep looks pretty buried. Will have to do some digging as soon as out of our current lockdown.