Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

[Brentathon]

This is the second or third time I've lost my trim tab anode (the one that bolts onto the anti-ventilation plate). Very annoying....I use a large adjustable wrench on the allen key, and really tighten them, too! And, 2 weeks prior, I checked and it wasn't corroded too much, and still tight....so it must have just fallen off.
I've always been a proponent of the tab style (as opposed to the flat style), even though I have power steering, just because of the additional zinc material you get from the tab.
But now, I'm thinking of trying some flat ones; because maybe the tab gets subjected to some forces from the prop wash, and it transmits a torque, allowing it to loosen over time?

Anybody else lose this anode?
Maybe I should put a dab of blue loctite on the threads?

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

Anybody else lose this anode?

only once. i thought the end of the world had come when it started contacting the prop. i didn't actually loose it. it just got real loose so as to contact the prop. tightened it back up and no problems since. other than it ruined my prop. i do check it now and again now though.

i suppose blue locktite would be ok. would be a real bummer if ya can't get the cap bolt loose though. was doing some reading the other day and ran across the torque spec for that bolt. i can't remember what it was, but it surprised me that it wasn't that much. low torque used. myself. i'd been putting it on like you do. hex wrench with a adj. wrench for leverage to tighten it up good...
i've no idea why mine came loose. yours either. since ya've had it happen multiple times though. imho, i'd be thinking blue locktite too.. or the flat disc anode. looks like your in ny though, maybe boating in salt so i can see your desire to have as much anode surface as possible.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

Blue or even red loctite (272) will work. Even with the red, just heating it to 350? will allow it to break loose easily when replacing the anode.
The anode material is fairly soft, you may be over torquing the bolt and actually damaging the threads. The torque is 25 to 35 ft. lbs.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

Thanks guys.
Yeah, the zinc is fairly soft, but the bolt isn't too small, and I don't think I'm over-torquing, because I notice no damage/issues when I remove the old ones.
I have to take a look at my prop.....I hope it didn't get damaged....I use a SS prop now. The other time(s) it happend, it did put a small scrape in the Aluminum prop's leading edge, but luckily it was minor damage.

The other thing I was thinking about, is that some manufacturers don't have the little adjustment notches cast into the tab. And, now I'm wondering if my SE106 drive has mating adjustment notches......hmmmmm???

 

[ram750]

Re: Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

Reviving this thread ... Hopefully

I have a slightly different problem ... My Trim Tab Anode on my Alpha One was broken when I bought the boat ... I just replaced it and 2 weeks after it broke again ...

The base is nice and tight its just the fin piece that breaks off. Any ideas ? Should I just grind it flat ? boat handles great without.

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Trim Tab Anode

Welcome aboard ram750, just start a new thread of your own, you probably missed this announcement at the top of the forum.

http://forums.iboats.com/announcement.php?f=21