Trim Tab Anode

[tablerockboater]

Speaking of anodes (elsewhere), I just noticed that the new-to-us 2008 Sun Tracker Party Barge's Merc 50 does not have a trim tab anode on it.

Should it?

 

[Dave1027]

Speaking of anodes (elsewhere), I just noticed that the new-to-us 2008 Sun Tracker Party Barge's Merc 50 does not have a trim tab anode on it.

Should it?

What does it have under there? Is it a flat plate? Or does it look like something is missing?

My trim tab anode fell off so I replaced it with a flat plate anode. I found as long as I trim the motor properly I don't need the trim tab.

 

[1960 Starflite]

Speaking of anodes (elsewhere), I just noticed that the new-to-us 2008 Sun Tracker Party Barge's Merc 50 does not have a trim tab anode on it.

Should it?

Some have to be replaced with the flat one due to prop pitch

 

[tablerockboater]

Both of those answers are what I'm wondering about.

What is there is nothing, but there is a trim tab "depression" and the thread where the bolt would hold it on. So, it looks like something is supposed to be there. The prop looks awful close to where the trim tab would hang down.

 

[airshot]

Might have fallen off, had one do that years back. The bolt came loose and the tab dropped into the deep blue sea!!! I suppose it could be on the highway, but probably in Davey's locker.. They are not really needed unless you have a steering pull in one direction or the other. If you dont have any steering pull, you might consider a flat disc to fit in the depression to help prevent a possible ventalation issue.

 

[tablerockboater]

Sorry, I don't check real often. I think I would like one because I feel a little pull and the wheel is not centered. I like them for galvanic corrosion reasons, too. I just re-zinced our Florida toon with non-zincs, so it's no big deal.

Thanks.

 

[Chris1956]

Merc makes at least 3 different anodes for above and behind the prop. One is flat and usually used for boats with power steering. One has a small fin and is used with props with extra rake. One has a larger fin and is used with standard props.

If the boat pulls, choose one with the largest fin compatible with your style prop.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I’d imagine in this case, it’s because often on boats like this, people prop them with big diameter props to get the best out of the application. Bigger diameter props will hit the standard trim anode fin. There is a cut back one you can buy…or the flat one without the fin at all. On my outboard, even the cut back one didn’t clear the prop. So had to get the flat one.

 

[1960 Starflite]

Hi. I’d imagine in this case, it’s because often on boats like this, people prop them with big diameter props to get the best out of the application. Bigger diameter props will hit the standard trim anode fin. There is a cut back one you can buy…or the flat one without the fin at all. On my outboard, even the cut back one didn’t clear the prop. So had to get the flat one.

Customize with a hacksaw

 

[QBhoy]

Customize with a hacksaw

Haha. The prop nearly did that job for me !! I actually did just that…but ultimately ended up just biting the bullet and getting a hydraulic steering kit. All was well afterwards.

 

[tablerockboater]

Hi. I’d imagine in this case, it’s because often on boats like this, people prop them with big diameter props to get the best out of the application. Bigger diameter props will hit the standard trim anode fin. There is a cut back one you can buy…or the flat one without the fin at all. On my outboard, even the cut back one didn’t clear the prop. So had to get the flat one.

Kinda what I thought, that it looks like the anode will be in the way of the prop. (Of course, it wouldn't be for long!) I will know soon, since the anode arrived yesterday and I'll be doing the test drive, to feel the pull later today. The boat is new to us, so I don't know if the prop is original.

 

[tablerockboater]

It went on fine. I have not taken the boat yet, so . . . .