ANODE SHAFT RADIX 35mm

Function and technical context

The 35mm shaft anode is a cathodic protection element specifically designed to be installed on the propulsion shaft of boats with outboard or inboard propulsion. Its function is to sacrifice itself electrochemically to protect the submerged metal parts - shaft, propeller, horn and bearings - against galvanic corrosion caused by the difference in electrical potential between different metals in contact with water. It works within the boat's transmission and propulsion system, acting as an electrochemical shield that concentrates wear on itself instead of on structural components that are more expensive and complex to replace. Without effective cathodic protection, the propulsion shaft, propeller, and bronze or stainless steel fittings are exposed to accelerated corrosion that can lead to pitting, shaft thinning, and serious mechanical failures in navigation.

When to replace this part?

The clearest symptom that the shaft anode has exhausted its useful life is the visible loss of mass: when the anode has consumed between 50% and 60% of its volume, it must be replaced immediately, since below that threshold it no longer offers effective protection. It is recommended to inspect the anodes at least once a season—ideally during the winter docking or at each hull inspection—and replace them preventively even if they are not completely worn out, especially in waters with high conductivity or port areas with high eddy currents. Replacing the shaft anode each season is the most economical preventive measure to avoid corrosion of the propulsion shaft, the repair or replacement of which can involve a much higher cost.

Compatibility