ANODES: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Anodes: The Basics

Ensuring your anodes are in good condition is without doubt one of the most important maintenance tasks of boat ownership. As a leading marina and boat supplier on the River Thames, we’ve seen all too often the price that boat owners have to pay when they don’t regularly check and replace them.

Regular maintenance ensures you get the most enjoyment from your boat by keeping it operating safely and at peak performance, while also preserving its resale value.

Our fully equipped boat service centre, located in Chertsey, Surrey, is staffed with experienced marine engineers, and we use genuine manufactured parts to handle all your boat maintenance needs, incluing anode servicing and replacing.

Read on to learn why anodes are so important and what you can do to keep your boat in pristine condition. (Please note: this article refers to fibreglass/GPR boats only)

Book an Anode Replacement today.

What Does an Anode Do?

An anode helps protect metal underwater – such as the prop shaft and the engine – from electrolytic corrosion.

Sacrificial anodes, made from a weaker metal than your boat’s components, are designed to corrode instead of your boat. They are usually fitted with bolts or bonded to the desired part of the boat.

Which Anode Do I Need?

The size of the anode is dependent on the size of the boat that you have and the amount of underwater metal your vessel has. The material type required will often depend on the type of water where your boat is being kept.

Generally speaking, zinc anodes are most appropriate for salt water, whereas magnesium versions would be more suitable for freshwater. Aluminium types are also mostly used in brackish water.

How Often Should I Change Anodes?

Anodes should be inspected annually at the very least and replaced if more than 50% has wasted. Inspection should also include checking that the anode is free of any paint and corrosion deposits.

When fitting or replacing a sacrificial anode, you should also replace the serrated fan disc washers under the nuts and change the anode backing sheet on wood and GRP hulls. Exposed fixing studs, nuts and washers should be well greased or painted after assembly.

We recommend having a qualified engineer inspect and replace your anodes.

Book an Anode Replacement today.

DISCLAIMER: The text, places and opinions expressed in the text above are offered in good faith. Any action taken upon from the information on this website is strictly at your own risk; and Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd will not be liable for any losses or damage in connection to the use of our website.