Rudder bonding connection failure

[BB marine]

I was in the process of yearly inspections of Rudder log, trim tab reservoir fluid level, deck drain hose connections and stern thruster. Finishing with greasing the rudder log. I noticed that the bonding wire was no longer attached to the rudder post. The factory installed bonding wire was too short and eventually severed. Assuming that the wires are precut before installation my boat may be a one off with this issue ( one time measurement mistake) or there may be many with the same issue ( production measurement mistake ). The rudder is the largest metal component in the water. One of the primary purposes of the bonding system is to provide a single point-of-access to protect multiple structural metals of the boat from corrosion, via a sacrificial anode. If it's not connected its not protected.I am posting a few pictures of the as found and repair. I used 6ga wire instead of 8ga to add strength to the connection.

 

[baz]

Thanks.... I will be checking mine based on your report.

One other thing to check is the 'tightness' of the pin connecting the hydraulic piston arm to the rudder arm. I've read in this forum that others found their pin was loose. 😱

 

[BB marine]

When looking at the second picture I posted in previous post you will see a grease fitting in the center of the log. I pump a small amount of grease after each season of use. I use 2-4-C quicksilver/Mercury Marine grease. 5 pumps from grease gun. Don’t over grease.

 

[baz]

Thanks. Can you also explain how the the greasing the rudder log

Excuse my ignorance..... what and where is the "rudder log" ?

 

[bob daily]

Mr Berry, they are talking about the piece of tube/pipe that the shaft passes through which should be greased annually, Bob