PLACA OVAL 85mm (ZN)

Function and technical context

The 85mm oval zinc plate is a sacrificial anode designed to protect the hull and submerged metal elements of the vessel from galvanic corrosion. It acts as a negative electrode in the galvanic cell that is formed when different metals coexist in an electrolytic medium such as salt or brackish water, attracting corrosion to itself and preserving intact the noble metal surfaces of the hull, tail shaft, rudder and other structural components. Its oval format and 85 mm dimension allow it to be mounted in flat areas of the hull where hydrodynamics require a discreet, low-drag profile. The choice of zinc as an active material makes it especially suitable for use in salt waters, where it offers the optimal electrochemical potential for effective cathodic protection.

When to replace this part?

The clearest symptom that the anode has exhausted its useful life is a visible reduction in its mass of more than 50%, at which point it can no longer guarantee complete cathodic protection; At the same time, the appearance of pitting, rust or corrosion on the hull or nearby metal accessories indicates that the anode has not been replaced for too long. As a general rule, zinc anodes should be inspected at least once a season - coinciding with the annual beaching - and replaced whenever their volume has been reduced by half, regardless of the time elapsed, since factors such as water salinity or the presence of eddy currents can accelerate their consumption. Renewing the anode preventively at each seasonal tune-up is the most economical measure to avoid corrosion damage to structural elements with very high repair costs.

Compatibility table