Anodes

[chambers1517]

I bought a boat that was primarily used in salt water. Spent the last 2 months cleaning up the mess. The boat has a brand new set of aluminum anodes on it. I will only be boating in fresh water and it is a trailered boat. Will the aluminum anodes be adequate or should I replace with zinc?

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Anodes

That depends on a lot of variables. Anodes come in a lot of flavors? aluminum, zinc, magnesium and some other alloys. The most used in salt water is zinc. But I am assuming these are on your engine, not directly attached to the boat. If so check with the engine manufacturer and see what they recommend.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Anodes

Generaly magnesium is used in fresh water.

 

[ken51k]

Re: Anodes

The engine manufacturer has nothing to do with the type of anodes you use. What determines the type of anodes is where you boat.
Zinc Alloy Anodes = Salt water Magnesium Alloy Anodes = Fresh water Aluminum Alloy Anodes = Salt or Brackish water

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Anodes

If you trailer that boat after each use, the anodes are purely decorative. They will never show any signs of corrosion, since the boat is dry the vast majority of the time.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Anodes

That is all that Merc puts on there motors. Aluminum is okay for fresh and brackish (salt/fresh mix) water. They might ware out quicker if you leave the boat in the water hooked to shore power but they are fine.As Chris said if you trailer they are nothing but dead weight. If you feel you need to or want to change them and yourr boating in fresh and mooring your boat get magnesium. It's a touchy feely thing :laugh::laugh:

 

[chambers1517]

Re: Anodes

Thanks guys. Boat sits in garage except when in use. Salt water does a number on a boat. Took me forever to repair the saltwater damage. The boat is a 2008.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Anodes

Thanks guys. Boat sits in garage except when in use. Salt water does a number on a boat. Took me forever to repair the saltwater damage. The boat is a 2008.

In the garage, don't worry about what material the anodes are made from then.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Anodes

Mercruiser uses aluminum alloy anodes for salt water. In fresh water, it hardly matters especially if you trailer.

Mercury hasn't used zinc anodes for years.