ANODE RUDDER 110 mm UK

Function and technical context

The 110mm rudder anode acts as cathodic protection on the rudder blade and shaft, sacrificing itself electrochemically to prevent galvanic corrosion from attacking the structural metal components of the vessel. It works within the passive anti-corrosion protection system, specifically on metal surfaces submerged in the marine environment, where the presence of dissolved salts drastically accelerates the deterioration of stainless steel, bronze and aluminum alloys. Its presence is critical in areas of high galvanic potential such as the rudder, since a depleted or absent anode can cause severe erosion of the sternpost, pinion or the steering axis itself, leading to maneuverability problems and high-cost structural repairs. The reference TEN00102UK corresponds to the UK format, whose geometry and fixing system are designed to adapt to specific rudder configurations for the English market with a length of 110 mm.

When to replace this part?

The clearest symptom that the rudder anode must be replaced is its wear greater than 50% of the mass: when the anode appears whitish, porous or has significantly reduced its volume, it has lost much of its protective capacity. Standard practice in marine maintenance is to inspect and replace anodes at each annual or seasonal grounding, regardless of their apparent condition, since a completely consumed anode leaves the rudder exposed to galvanic corrosion in a matter of weeks. Replacing this component preventively at each tune-up requires a minimal investment compared to repairing or replacing the rudder, pinion or steering hardware.