1988 Alpha I Lower Unit Trim Tab

[imported_boatin clan]

I have a 1988 Alpha I question. I only use my boat in freshwater and it is trailered most of the time. I have read the many threads on the importance of "zincs" or anodes. We bought our boat earlier this year and I noticed that the anode trim tab that attaches on the lower unit aft of the prop appears to be "sawed" off by the previous owner. It was not erroded, it was cut off. If I rotate the prop, I can see that the blades would have hit the anode which explains why the previous owner did some "customizing". The prop extends to about where the anode bolt hole is. Is there a modified anode that fits this lower unit that allows for more prop room?

Thanks for all the great advise.

 

[stevieray]

Re: 1988 Alpha I Lower Unit Trim Tab

Hi boatin - Sounds like the PO put a larger diameter prop on there than it came with. I believe the biggest that will fit on there & not hit the standard anode is a 14". There is an anode with a smaller tab - p/n 822777A1, but that was zinc material. See if they have that shape in aluminum since that is the current recommended material.

 

[stevieray]

Re: 1988 Alpha I Lower Unit Trim Tab

822777T1 is the aluminum one.

 

[imported_boatin clan]

Re: 1988 Alpha I Lower Unit Trim Tab

Thank for the info stevieray, do you know what dia. that anode will take?

 

[stevieray]

Re: 1988 Alpha I Lower Unit Trim Tab

That one should work with any dia/pitch - the fin starts protruding down about at the center of the circle.

Here's a link to some pix of old zinc units - it's the third one from the top. A std one is the fourth one down.

http://www.mercstuff.com/zinctrimtabs.htm