RUDDER ANODE 50 mm.

Function and technical context

Sacrificial anodes for rudders constitute the cathodic protection element installed directly on the rudder blade, one of the areas of the boat most exposed to galvanic corrosion as it is usually made of stainless steel or aluminum and remains continuously submerged. Its mission is to rust in a controlled manner before the noble metals of the rudder, sternpost or adjacent hardware, thus avoiding the progressive degradation of these structural parts. The reference CMF50, with a fixing diameter of 50 mm, is designed for direct mounting on the rudder shaft, guaranteeing effective electrical contact and uniform coverage of the protected area. The absence or depletion of this anode can lead to pitting, loss of metal section and, in serious cases, structural failure of the rudder itself, with the safety consequences that this implies in navigation.

When to replace this part?

The clearest indicator that the rudder anode needs replacement is the loss of more than 50% of its mass: when the anode appears visibly reduced, irregular or with white and disintegrated areas after the navigation season, it has reached its useful life cycle. It is recommended to inspect and replace the rudder anodes at least once a season, coinciding with the annual beaching for hull maintenance; In waters with high conductivity or greater galvanic activity, it may be necessary to check them every six months. Renewing the anode preventively at each grounding is the most economical measure to avoid repairing or replacing the rudder, an intervention that considerably multiplies the maintenance cost.