Dock Ladder Corrosion/Electrolysis

[Roccus7]

Learned Colleagues:

My floating dock, which sits on the bottom during extreme low tides, dictates that I use some sort of retractable/folding dock ladder. I've been using a very well-made, 6063 marine grade aluminum ladder for years. Part of this ladder is always in the water and therefore subject to corrosion, but I'm wondering with the boat tied up nearby, is this just corrosion or is there some electrolysis also involved. Obviously I've got sacrificial anodes in all the right places on the boat, but nothing on the floating dock.

I'm curious if anyone things I should also put some large ones under the dock's waterline near the ladder to help extend the useful life of the ladder? I have to replace the ladder for the next season and am not excited with any folding ladders as a replacement as dock space is at a premium.

Any suggestions?

 

[TonySmjc]

Learned Colleagues:

My floating dock, which sits on the bottom during extreme low tides, dictates that I use some sort of retractable/folding dock ladder. I've been using a very well-made, 6063 marine grade aluminum ladder for years. Part of this ladder is always in the water and therefore subject to corrosion, but I'm wondering with the boat tied up nearby, is this just corrosion or is there some electrolysis also involved. Obviously I've got sacrificial anodes in all the right places on the boat, but nothing on the floating dock.

I'm curious if anyone things I should also put some large ones under the dock's waterline near the ladder to help extend the useful life of the ladder? I have to replace the ladder for the next season and am not excited with any folding ladders as a replacement as dock space is at a premium.

Any suggestions?

If anything attach a zink or zinks to the ladder

 

[Roccus7]

If anything attach a zink or zinks to the ladder

Thanks Tony, no another question. Aluminum or Stainless fastener for the zinc?

 

[TonySmjc]

No no no aluminum

dissimilar metals in salt water create electrolysis
You could but and bolt them on with ss hardware or Secure the zinks with either ss hose clamps

reverse all that I thought it was a ss ladder
Yes aluminum ladder on use aluminum
Hardware or zip ties don’t hang them make them contact the ladder

 

[Roccus7]

No no no aluminum

dissimilar metals in salt water create electrolysis
You could but and bolt them on with ss hardware or Secure the zinks with either ss hose clamps

That was my thought, but just wanted to make sure, thanks!!

 

[sytheteacher]

Build the ladder out of heaver gauge PVC piping that you will glue together and you don't have to worry about electrolysis or a sacrificial anode.. Best of luck and stay healthy