Passive vs. Active Stainless Steel

[grabhamb]

So, I'm having my shaft replaced with a new stainless steel shaft and am retaining the original bronze prop. The reason is immaterial but suffice it to say I was not pleased with the total cost ($1700+ with new cutlass bearing and coupling, alignment & labor). Once I got over the cost issue I began to think about electrolysis and the new shaft. I came across an article that explains the process and it spoke of passive stainless steel and active stainless steel. If my new shaft is passive then it ranks just above bronze and the prop will go first (assuming there's no zinc protection). However, if the shaft is active then it would appear that it will go first. What's the difference and is there anything I can do in addition to keeping the zinc's replaced as often as they should be replaced? Thanks in advance for the collective wisdom of this great board.

Bob Grabham
S/V Hunky Dory
Topping, Virginia on the Rappahannock River

[Tod Mills]

This might be helpful:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... _109028306