ANODO PLACA AQUARIVA 100X28mm (ZN)

Function and technical context

The Aquariva 100x28 mm zinc plate anode acts as a galvanic sacrifice, protecting the metal structure of the hull and submerged components against electrolytic corrosion produced by potential differences between different metals in contact with water. This type of anode works within the boat's cathodic protection system, a passive but essential mechanism that prevents galvanic corrosion from deteriorating more expensive parts such as the tailshaft, propeller, stern hardware or the hull structure itself. Zinc is the indicated material for vessels that operate in salty or brackish waters, since its electrochemical potential makes it the metal that degrades in a controlled manner before any other structural alloy. If this component is not renewed in time or completely deteriorates, galvanic corrosion directly attacks the noble metallic elements of the boat, potentially causing irreversible damage to highly critical parts and high repair costs.

When to replace this part?

The most obvious symptom that the zinc anode has reached the end of its useful life is a visible reduction in mass of more than 50% compared to its mounting size, indicating that it no longer offers sufficient cathodic protection; In advanced cases, pitting or active corrosion is observed in the adjacent metal elements that it should be protecting. The standard recommendation for plate anodes is to inspect them at the beginning and end of each nautical season, and replace them whenever this wear threshold is exceeded or at least once a year if the boat remains in the water continuously. Replacing the anode preventively is the most economical maintenance measure available: the cost of a new anode is negligible compared to repairing or replacing a corroded shaft, propeller or thru-hull.