Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

[skargo]

The guy at WM, while being nice and helpful, told me I would have issues with my boat, removing the fin anode for a flat one, despite my boat having PS. I didn't think that sounded correct.
I had no choice as I put a new 4 blade prop on in the parking lot, and it hit the anode.

Put it in the water and had zero steering issues.

Just thought I'd share because for me, on our boat, there was no effect. I know there are opposing opinions on this, just adding data.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Those who have PS seem to have no ill effects. My glastron really needs it or I have a hard time steering in one direction but not the other. It does not have PS.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I don't have PS and need it too. I have read that you don't need it with PS.

 

[skargo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Yep, that's my point. I have PS and the fin is not needed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

The guy at WM, while being nice and helpful, told me I would have issues with my boat, removing the fin anode for a flat one, despite my boat having PS. I didn't think that sounded correct.

Ayuh,... In my experience, sales clerks at West Marine know that boats are supposed to Float...

Anymore than That, 'n they're Lost...

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Ayuh,... In my experience, sales clerks at West Marine know that boats are supposed to Float...

Anymore than That, 'n they're Lost...

HAHAHA... They are great at hawking electronics, though...........................

On the tab:
Power steering....... Not needed as the PS nullifies the prop torque by the hydraulic pressure forces.
No power steering........Needed as it counteracts prop torque trying to steer to one side (port I think) or the other

 

[scipper77]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I also have PS and no fin. My steering is fine. Heck I don't even have a skeg.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

The fin anode is for non-PS boats. It doesn't hurt PS-quipped boats, but it's not necessary.

 

[skargo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Ayuh,... In my experience, sales clerks at West Marine know that boats are supposed to Float...

Anymore than That, 'n they're Lost...

Exactly/ Like I said, this guy is nice. and helpful, but not even as knowledgeable as me.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I have PS, and of course it doesn't matter which anode I use.........I even had one fall-off, and didn't notice.
But why get the flat one??? The one with the fin has significantly more material and can provide longer-lasting protection.
(Yes, that sounds like a commercial)

 

[scipper77]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

As was stated the OP changed props and the new prop will hit the fin.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Yes he did...but did he know that Mercruiser has a 'fix' for this?

All I/O have prop torque, and even though the power steering masks this there are strains on the PS system to constantly correct this. There are good reasons to use the finned anode to take some of this strain off of the power steering. The obvious first reason would be a longer PS life....

Here is the fin that works for his situation:

Happy boating!

 

[skargo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I doubt there is any damaging strain on the PS system, nothing significant anyway. Good info anyway, I appreciate it.

Have you noticed you almost never see a fin on a Bravo?

 

[skargo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I have PS, and of course it doesn't matter which anode I use.........I even had one fall-off, and didn't notice.
But why get the flat one??? The one with the fin has significantly more material and can provide longer-lasting protection.
(Yes, that sounds like a commercial)

I rarely get any corrosion at all, anywhere, including my anodes.

 

[Scorpion8]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Can someone provide a "better" explanation? Any boat with only one shaft will have a torque force to one side that induces a stern walk. All the PS hydraulics in the world will not counteract that unless the wheel is turned to one side, so the boat has a slight "crab" to it's motion. The fin on the anode above the prop is supposed to be angled-offset to one side to counteract this side-walk torque and make the boat steer straight with no rudder applied.

SO why would you NOT want the finned version just because you have PS?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

I doubt there is any damaging strain on the PS system, nothing significant anyway. Good info anyway, I appreciate it.

Have you noticed you almost never see a fin on a Bravo?

Most Bravos are mated to the larger displacement engines with OEM power steering...and it is cheaper (and simplier for the owner) for Mercruiser to send them with the flat plate. Mercury would rather sell you new power steering components 7 years from now, then the 2 or 3 finned anodes that you would probably go through.

If you think that you like your power steering now...just wait until you have a finned tab set about 5 degrees to the port! (Edit: that would be the trailing edge of the trim tab...many of us get it wrong!)

Happy boating!

 

[Icyharp]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Most Bravos are mated to the larger displacement engines with OEM power steering...and it is cheaper (and simplier for the owner) for Mercruiser to send them with the flat plate. Mercury would rather sell you new power steering components 7 years from now, then the 2 or 3 finned anodes that you would probably go through.

Hmmm my boat is a '87 and I have never replaced any parts on my PS with the flat anode that is on it other than a few changes in PS fluid with my Alpha 1, lol is this a Bravo thing?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

Hmmm my boat is a '87 and I have never replaced any parts on my PS with the flat anode that is on it other than a few changes in PS fluid with my Alpha 1, lol is this a Bravo thing?

And I have an 1986 Vette in the garage with less than 90,000 miles driven...and I have never changed the power steering fluid. So what is your point?

Anybody with any understanding of physics, and engineering, could see that a finned tab will only help the PS do it's job. Like I pointed out, if you have never used the fin on a PS equipped setup then you do not know the effect. In your case I would just keep on trucking...!

Happy boating!

 

[Icyharp]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

And I have an 1986 Vette in the garage with less than 90,000 miles driven...and I have never changed the power steering fluid. So what is your point?

Anybody with any understanding of physics, and engineering, could see that a finned tab will only help the PS do it's job. Like I pointed out, if you have never used the fin on a PS equipped setup then you do not know the effect. In your case I would just keep on trucking...!

Happy boating!

Point is that my boat has more hours on it than your Vette engine, and the fact that a finned anode does not fit with my prop, I even bought the spilt one and no fit either. Again I have yet to buy any parts from Mercury to fix my PS system that you claim they are doing by putting on flat anodes cause I have never had an issue.

 

[skargo]

Re: Replaced trim anode with "fin" for flat one.

The fin that was on mine was set dead straight anyway!