Hot slips

[Brett83]

Hi guys. Is there a problem with plugging a trickle charger into an aluminum boat? Can it create a hot slip or cause corrosion on an aluminum boat?

 

[Gong Show]

The trickle charger is not the primary problem with galvanic corrosion.
The electrical charge needs to 'leak' from your electrical system to something metal on your boat that is connected to the hull.

Bottom line, yes it can, but you would have pre-existing conditions that allow it to happen.
This is usually improper grounding or a compromised ground bonding setup.

 

[cj6530]

I have a Guest galvanic isolator on my aluminum boat to protect from corrosion when charging my batteries in the slip

 

[Gong Show]

When you are plugged into shore power at the slip, it can be another boat that is leaking and now you are part of the circuit.
A galvanic isolator will help in that situation.

 

[Brett83]

Okay, so I had my boat in at mosquito creek. Cords in the water, electrical panel for the whole dock was attached to my slip. It seems likely the area surrounding my boat had issues. How would I for certain know it not an electrical short on my boat or my fault for using a trickle charger? Perhaps a marine survey?

 

[Gong Show]

Marine experienced electrician.