SPARE ZINC 45 x 13mm.

Function and technical context

The 45 x 13 mm replacement zinc is a sacrificial anode designed to protect the submerged metal parts of the boat against galvanic corrosion, one of the most destructive processes in marine environments. This type of part acts as a sacrificial electrode within the cathodic protection system: being made of zinc, it corrodes preferably instead of the noble components of the outboard motor, the propeller shaft, the crossbar or the transmission tail. Its correct installation guarantees that the aluminum, bronze and stainless steel of the mechanical assemblies retain their structural integrity, avoiding pitting, perforations and material losses that compromise both the tightness and functionality of the propulsion assembly. Without an anode in good condition, the most cathodic metal elements are exposed to accelerated electrolysis that can render high-cost parts unusable in a single season.

When to replace this part?

The most obvious symptom that sacrificial zinc has exhausted its useful life is the visible reduction in its mass: when the anode has lost approximately 50% of its volume, it must be replaced immediately, since from that point its protective capacity decreases drastically. It should also be inspected if it presents a completely whitish, cracked or disintegrated surface, signs that the zinc has been consumed excessively or has undergone passivation due to contamination. The professional recommendation is to check all zinc anodes at least once a season – ideally during the winter stranding and spring launching – and replace them preventively before they are completely used up: a new anode costs a fraction of the cost of repairing or replacing a shaft, propeller or tail damaged by galvanic corrosion.

Compatibility table