wrote in message
ups.com...
What follows is current owners explanation. Does it sound legitimate?
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I talked to the owner at Falls lake marina, He said that all boats
that stay in the wet slips thru a summer or two experience the same
problem. He claims it's the high marine growth that accumulates on
the bottom of the boat and outdrives. The marine growth has very
strong clinging roots. The growth causes the paint to loosen and then
water gets under it. He also claimed that last summer was one of the
highest levels of growth they had at the lake in many years.

The Anode is fine and bolted to the outdrive, its very large and has
no signs of wearing at all. It is also made of Aluminum alloy and not
zinc.

Almost everyone runs stainless props so I can't believe they would be
so popular if they caused that much problem with corrosion. Also every
time we left the marina I unplugged the battery cables.

The only time the shore power was plugged in was when we spent the
night on the boat at the marina. Was never left it plugged in when we
were not there.
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Clearly, this fellow doesn't have a clue. Leaving the boat in the water with
the battery cables "unplugged" could mean that the boat wasn't protected by
an automatic bilge pump. I would look for signs of partial sinking or high
water in the bilge.
The anode should wear considerably in one or 2 months given the condition of
the outdrive.
You should have this boat surveyed by a reputable surveyor before buying it.
Jim