FLEXOFOLD ALUMINUM ANODE

Function and technical context

The Flexofold aluminum sacrificial anode is a cathodic protection component designed specifically for Flexofold folding propellers, acting as a sacrificial element to prevent galvanic corrosion on the propeller hub and blades. It works within the shaft line's anti-corrosion protection system, interposing a more electronegative metal (aluminum) that attracts electrolytic corrosion rather than allowing it to affect the structural metal components of the propeller. Its correct installation is essential on vessels anchored or moored in ports with dispersed electrical current or in waters with high conductivity, since without adequate cathodic protection the folding propeller hub may suffer pitting, loss of material and, in advanced cases, compromise the mechanical integrity of the transmission. The aluminum alloy makes it especially suitable for salt and brackish waters, where it offers superior protection performance to zinc in many Mediterranean and Atlantic navigation conditions.

When to replace this part?

The wear and tear of the aluminum Flexofold anode is visible to the naked eye: when the anode has lost approximately half of its mass or has a very irregular and eroded surface, it has reached the limit of its useful life and must be replaced before it stops offering effective protection. Inspection and replacement is recommended at least once a season, coinciding with the annual beaching of the boat, although in waters with high galvanic activity or in port areas with eddy currents it may be necessary to inspect it every six months. Replacing the anode preventively, without waiting for it to be completely consumed, is the most economical way to protect a Flexofold folding propeller, whose repair or replacement involves a much higher cost than that of a replacement anode.