Sacrificial anode....important?

[tnurgeniram]

I new to the boat world. A buddy mentioned that I should have an anode on my motor and the boat. I have one on the motor. Is it important to have one on my aluminum boat? I run it in fresh/brackish water...

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Sacrificial anode....important?

Brackish water may eat away at aluminum surfaces, esp. if they are unpainted, like a pontoon. A good coat of paint tends to deter corrosion. If the boat is stored sitting in brackish water 24-7, you can add a couple of anodes to your boat hull, probably on the transom. Most boating ship stores can order 3" or 4" round anodes which can be installed on the boat. They make different types of anodes depending on whether you are in salt water (zinc) or freshwater (magnesium.)

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Sacrificial anode....important?

Aluminium anodes are another choice. Actually an alloy containing a small % of indium, to a US military specification
They are more suitable than zinc for brackish water but equally suitable for use in salt water

Magnesium is the only choice for fresh water but it is unsuitable for use in brackish and salt water as it is too reactive.
If you move between fresh water and brackish or salt water you a faced with something of a dilemma.

 

[tnurgeniram]

Re: Sacrificial anode....important?

Thanks guys...