Anode question

[sogood]

Wasn't sure where else to post this, but as I'm running a Mercruiser, it's close enough. My question regarding anodes is, do I need one/some? My boat doesn't have shore power and is only used in saltwater. It doesn't share any marina type facilities with other boats and would only come into contact with other boats in various harbours etc. Always in saltwater, bays and coastal waters. So, do I need anode protection and if so, what's the best sort for my needs. Mercruiser 5.7 with an alpha 1 leg if that's relevant. I understand the principle but just short on the finer details!
Thanks in advance.

 

[GA_Boater]

Yes, you need anodes. Shore power is not part of the reason, galvanic corrosion from saltwater contact is why.

Zinc used to be preferred anode material for salt water boats, but now aluminum anodes are the way to go. Here is a BoatUS article to look at; http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/sacrificial-zincs.asp

 

[sogood]

Many thanks for that. Question answered.

 

[tpenfield]

"only used in salt water" . . . I like that

+1 to the aluminum anodes . . . you will get about 4 months out of them.

Also, your Mercruiser 'should' have the Mercathode' system. You want to make sure it is working properly. There is a test method that you can Google.

 

[GA_Boater]

Good you brought up the Mercathode system, Ted. I my train of thought got derailed and forgot to mention it.

 

[sogood]

Having recently queried the need for anodes, I feel it's necessary. So, my question is, what sort of anode do I need and where do I mount it? I'm running a Mercruiser 5.7 with an Alpha one on a 25' Wellcraft Sportsman. When I got the boat last year, it came with some boxes of old replaced parts etc. and amongst them was a badly corroded anode. It's a circular "disc" shaped item, about 4" diameter, with a small fin extending from it. Is this the best sort for my needs. Any info much appreciated.

Also, my soon to be splashed boat doesn't appear to have ever been antifouled, although it spent time in saltwater. It will spend it's future in saltwater, more or less permanently moored. There are several tiny limpet type shells still attached! Ant suggestions for the best type of antifoul? My experience with antifoul on a smaller cabin cruiser is that it never fully dries or hardens. Are they all like this? Or is there a more permanent type and are they available as "clear" as opposed to coloured.
Thanks in advance.