gal·va·nize verb \ˈgal-vÉ™-ËŒnÄ«z\: to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
We recently trucked 110 metres (500 pounds) of 10mm anchor chain to Seattle. Not because we really enjoy its company and wanted to show it the sites, but because four years of heavy anchoring along rocky bottoms for six months of the year turned it into a pile of rusting metal – it was time to galvanize!
Galvanizing can be an expensive proposition. The cost runs around US$1 per pound, and we carry approximately 500 pounds. But it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the price of replacing it . . . anywhere from $2000 to $3200, depending on the breaking strength.
The chain now looks fantastic and is now at home in its freshly painted anchor locker (which also looks great). In fact,Cambria’s bow received the lion’s share of the work this winter. Along with the chain, we had our primary anchor (a CQR 45) galvanized. David also installed a new windlass last month to replace the one that died on us last year while still at anchor (read more about that here), changed out the bilge pump (that he stepped on and broke whilst painting) in the forward lazerette and installed a new wash down pump.
With a week to go before we lose our berth, things are coming together nicely and the end is clearly in sight. It all comes down to one thing now . . . the engine injectors! They were removed last week and sent down to Portland to be serviced. Unfortunately, the tips were bad and, because the engine was assembled in the UK, replacements had to be sourced from overseas. We’ve yet to hear whether or not they’ve arrived, but we’re optimistic and continue to plan our departure for the first of May. Fingers crossed!
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