Tuesday, May 17, 2011

What type of anodes should I use on my boat?

  The reason for anodes on a boats hull, outdrive or running gear is to slow damage to gear due to electrolysis.  In fresh water you should use magnesium (or aluminum if magnesium is unavailable).  Zinc is used in salt water.  Aluminum in used in brackish water. 
  The reasoning is simple.  Salt water conducts electricity better than fresh water so a harder "sacrificial anode" metal is used.  Zinc is softer than your inboard boats rudders, propeller shafts and propellers thus drawing the electrolysis so as not to damage more expensive parts. 
  Fresh water does not conduct as well so a softer metal is used (preferably magnesium).  Aluminum is in between the two on the hardness scale so is used in brackish water.
  This is simple enough.  What most don't take into consideration is that there is more salt water around the U.S.A. than fresh water.  When a boat is built, the manufacturer doesn't know where the boat is being shipped to.  The default anode is zinc. 
  Now, if a person takes this boat to fresh water, the anodes will not due there job properly.
  Be sure to KNOW what anodes are on your boat and replace them every few years as they will get deteriorated and loose there ground, thus efficiency.
  Anodes are less expensive than outdrives or propellers especially when purchased at www.marinediscounters.com.
  Any person reading this will recieve free shipping on a 100.00 purchase of anodes by calling 419-625-0605 and mentioning www.marinediscounters.com