ANODE SHAFT RADIX 22-25mm

Function and technical context

The shaft anode is a cathodic protection element that is mounted directly on the tail shaft of the boat, between the horn and the propeller, with the objective of sacrificing itself electrochemically before the higher value metal components do so. It acts within the underwater transmission system, protecting the drive shaft, propeller, horn and bronze or stainless steel accessories from galvanic corrosion caused by the action of salt or brackish water. The Radice anode for 22 to 25 mm shafts is made of high-purity zinc, an ideal material for boats that navigate in marine waters, and its cylindrical radial fixing geometry guarantees continuous electrical contact and correct centering on the shaft. If this component is completely used up without being replaced, corrosion directly attacks the base metal of the shaft and propeller, potentially rendering them useless and generating high-cost breakdowns.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes should be inspected at least at the beginning and end of each boating season; The industry rule of thumb indicates that they should be replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that threshold their protective capacity is drastically reduced. The symptoms of a depleted or missing anode are visible to the naked eye during grounding: pitting, pinpoint corrosion or loss of material on the propeller shaft or blades. Replacing the anode preventively at each seasonal grounding is the most economical measure to avoid replacing a shaft or propeller damaged by galvanic corrosion.