Grounding of AC system

[swhfire21]

I had to back off of my refit and have been out of the water for four years due to the economy, then college/tech school tuition for 2, and finally a wedding to pay for last year. As such, I've declared this year to be the summer of the boat (& Steve!) and have been pushing forward on my refit and am trying to get it to the point that the boat can go back in the water this season (Wuhan Virus permitting). I bought the boat at the end of 2016 and just got back to refurbing at the beginning of this winter.

I was looking over the AC and battery system (quite simple for a 35 footer and probably close to original) and found the usual rat nests and sins of the past. The rats nest I'm leaving alone for refit next winter (fingers crossed!). However, I found what I believe to be a major issue. The AC ground is connected to the engine block (by a less than desirable path) and the engine shaft has what I believe is a non-conductive shaft saver (see photo). Its the first time I've ran across one of these, so its my best guess that that its a shaft saver.

If this is the case, the boat has no earth ground other than that provided by the shore connection. I believe this is likely a hazard and against ABYC rules, am I correct? If so, I have three likely choices to correct this, listed in order of ease - a 2" bronze seacock with grounding connection, the keel bolts (external lead keel) or the skeg bolts. The skeg bolts are literally covered beyond recognition in some kind of epoxy, etc.., so I don't want to go there if I can avoid it. Are either of these acceptable?

Thanks

[Keith]

Hi Steve,

It looks to me that you still have a ground path through the four bolts that bolt the coupling together. Unless you have insulating (nonconductive) bushings on the prop shaft side of the coupling. I can't see clearly from the picture.

Keith

[swhfire21]

Keith,

I finally found something on line about this thing. It looks like it is called a Drivesaver and not a shaftsaver. The bolts on the input side and the output side of the coupling do not line up and terminate inside the plastic disk. As a result their is no electrical path through the coupling (here's what I found - https://www.globemarinedirect.com/produ ... 2-0050.htm ).

At this point I just need to figure out 1) is the ground required and 2) which option(s) above do people use or that are acceptable. I'm leaning towards the 2" bronze through hull.

Thanks,