ANODO HELICE SIDE-POWER Ø42 (AL)

Function and technical context

The aluminum anode for Side-Power Ø42 propeller is a cathodic protection element designed specifically for Side-Power maneuvering thrusters with Ø42 mm shaft. Its mission is to sacrifice itself electrochemically to protect the metal parts of the propeller – propeller, hub and shaft – against galvanic corrosion caused by prolonged immersion in salt or brackish water. By acting as a sacrificial anode, this aluminum alloy component concentrates the electrochemical attack on itself, preserving the integrity of the propellant assembly that would otherwise suffer accelerated and irreversible degradation. The correct installation of this anode is critical to guarantee the useful life of the bow or stern thruster and avoid costly repairs in the dock.

When to replace this part?

Sacrificial anodes should be inspected at least once a season at the annual boat docking; Its replacement is recommended when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that threshold the cathodic protection is insufficient to cover the entire metal surface of the propellant. The most obvious symptoms of a depleted anode are the appearance of pitting or visible corrosion on the propeller hub and blades, darkening or pitting on the propeller shaft and, in advanced cases, the loosening or total disintegration of the anode itself. Replacing the anode preventively at each grounding is the most economical measure to avoid the complete replacement of the Side-Power thruster, the cost of which is incomparably higher.

Compatibility