ANODO TIMON PAR USA Ø 72mm (AL)

Function and technical context

This aluminum anode for rudder, in a pair format with a diameter of 72 mm, acts as a cathodic protection element on the stock or rudder shaft of the boat. Its main function is to sacrifice itself electrochemically to protect the submerged metal parts of the rudder – stainless steel or bronze – against galvanic corrosion caused by the action of salt or brackish water. When installed in pairs on the rudder, it guarantees uniform coverage around the axis, ensuring that the metal surface is protected evenly throughout the season. Without adequate cathodic protection, the rudder shaft material can suffer pitting, structural weakening and, in severe cases, compromise the maneuverability of the vessel.

When to replace this part?

The symptoms of an exhausted anode are visible to the naked eye: intense whitish or grayish color, notable reduction in volume compared to the new anode and completely smooth surface due to the loss of material. The general rule of thumb for rudder anodes is to inspect them at the beginning and end of each boating season, and replace them when they have consumed 50% to 70% of their mass, without waiting for them to disappear completely. Preventatively replacing the pair of rudder anodes before each season is the most economical measure to prevent corrosion damage to steering components that are considerably more expensive to repair.