Deceiving Thruster Zinks

[scross]

Changed out our thruster zinks two seasons ago. Very easy to do with boat on trailer. Took 10 minutes for both.
Looked at them again this week as I was replacing other zinks and they looked just fine. A bit of white on the outside but still holding their shape. No problems here I thought....
Wrong-o-weedhopper! Do not trust the look! They were shot and crumbled apart in my hand on closer inspection. Now going on regular replacement schedule regardless of how they look!!

 

[doke01]

I replace them every year. They are much cheaper than a new thruster.

How is your classic holding up? I have a 2007, Hull #7. I'm actually remodeling the interior this year.

 

[scross]

Doug,
We are only in salt water about 45 days a year so I was surprised to have the thruster zinks go to powder in just 90 days. They are pretty small though.
Our Journey is doing quite well. Replaced all the interior upholstery two years ago (see my photo album) and replaced the teak doors on the cockpit bait well with a starboard door this winter. Other than factory recommended maintenance and a weird oil pressure sending unit that I just replaced there have been no significant issues. One bad professional maintenance issue that was not the boat’s fault. We’ve made LOTS of small personal upgrades. The boat just goes and goes!