J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Galvanic Isolator

We recently purchased Top Tick which is a 1979 version of the boat. It does not have any shore power or shore charging systems and we intend on adding those to her along with a general upgrading of all electrical systems.

What I have conflicting advise on is whether or not to add a galvanic isolation system to the boat. We do intend to add one or two AC outlets on board for weekends in the slip when no racing (we intend on staying on the boat for multiple nights during the summer).

Basic question is - Do we need / should we have galvanic isolation on board?

Thoughts???

Thanks in advance.

If you are plugged in at a marina and the system is properly grounded, the answer is you need some protection. Shaft zincs can be augmented with a "fish anode" you drop over the side. The problem is that others near you in your marina may have leakage currents that end up causing a problem on your boat. If you are in fresh water you can use aluminum or magnesium instead of zinc.

Thanks for the feedback. It's all a "work in progress".