RUDDER ANODE 125 mm.

Function and technical context

Rudder anodes act as sacrificial cathodic protection on the metal surfaces of the vessel's rudder, absorbing galvanic corrosion that would otherwise attack the structural metal of the rudder. They work within the passive corrosion protection system of the hull and appendages, a critical system in salt and brackish water environments where the potential difference between dissimilar metals generates accelerated electrochemical corrosion. With a diameter of 125 mm, this anode offers a suitable sacrificial surface for rudders on medium-large boats, ensuring that galvanic corrosion consumes the zinc of the anode and not the stainless steel or bronze of the rudder. If the anode is depleted without being replaced, the rudder is exposed to pitting, structural weakening and loss of integrity that can compromise maneuverability and lead to costly repairs.

When to replace this part?

The main indicator of exhaustion in a rudder anode is the visible reduction in its mass: when it has lost approximately 50% of its volume, it must be replaced without delay to maintain effective protection. Preventive inspection and replacement is recommended at least once a season, ideally at each beaching, coinciding with hull maintenance work. Preventatively replacing the anode before it is completely depleted is the easiest and most economical way to avoid serious damage to the rudder and other metal appendages of the boat.

Compatibility table