BENETEAU SHAFT ANODE 45mm

Function and technical context

The Beneteau 45 mm boat shaft anode is a cathodic protection element specifically designed to protect the tail shaft against galvanic corrosion produced by the action of salt or brackish water. It acts as a sacrificial metal, absorbing electrochemical attack that would otherwise degrade the stainless steel of the drive shaft, cylinder head seals and other submerged metal parts of the transmission. Its correct installation is essential in any boat with shaft propulsion, since untreated galvanic corrosion can cause severe pitting in the shaft, failures in the stuffing box or damage to the propeller and its accessories. The 45 mm diameter makes it compatible with the tailshafts of the Beneteau range of sailboats and motor boats that use this standard measurement.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes should be inspected at least once a season, usually coinciding with the annual beaching for hull cleaning and painting. The clearest sign that it requires replacement is when the anode has lost more than 50% of its mass, has a very irregular surface or has partially disappeared; At that point it has ceased to offer effective protection and the shaft is exposed to corrosion. It is recommended to replace it preventively at each stranding even if it appears to be preserved, especially in areas of high electrical conductivity of the water, since a corroded shaft is a considerably more expensive repair than simply renewing the anode.