LINE CUTTING ANODE Mod. A

Function and technical context

The line-cutting anode is a cathodic protection component specifically designed to be installed in the boat's propulsion system, acting as a galvanic sacrifice against electrolytic corrosion that affects submerged metal parts. Its main function is twofold: on the one hand, it protects the tail shaft, propeller and adjacent metal elements from corrosion caused by galvanic currents in salt or brackish water; On the other hand, it incorporates a cutting geometry that allows cutting fishing lines, ropes or filaments that could become entangled in the propulsion shaft during navigation, thus avoiding mechanical blockages in the tail line. By preferentially degrading with respect to the noble metals of the drive assembly, this anode preserves the structural integrity of the axle and reduces the risk of serious transmission breakdowns. Its correct installation and periodic replacement is essential for any vessel that operates in waters with corrosive potential or in areas with the regular presence of fishing gear.

When to replace this part?

Sacrificial anodes should be inspected at least once a season and replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that threshold their cathodic protection capacity is significantly compromised. The most obvious symptoms of a depleted anode are visible pitting or corrosion on the propulsion shaft, propeller, or tail assembly metal fittings; On vessels that operate frequently, annual replacement before each sailing season is the practice most recommended by naval workshops. Replacing the linecutter anode preventively is a minimal investment compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a tailshaft damaged by corrosion or a shaft blocked by line entanglement offshore.