ANODE SHAFT 1

Function and technical context

The shaft anode is a sacrificial element that works directly on the boat's transmission shaft, acting as cathodic protection against galvanic corrosion that occurs when the metals of the transmission come into contact with salt or brackish water. Its function is to concentrate the electrochemical oxidation process on the anode itself, consuming it in a controlled manner and thus preserving the axis, the helix and the adjacent metal components. Without adequate cathodic protection on the shaft, galvanic corrosion directly attacks the stainless steel or bronzes of the transmission line, compromising the structural integrity of the shaft and causing vibrations, damage to the horn seals and, in advanced cases, the need to replace high-cost components. The shaft anode ref. CMXC-03 is clamp-installed directly on the drive shaft, guaranteeing continuous electrical contact with the metal to be protected.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes should be inspected at least once a season, coinciding with the annual docking of the vessel; It is recommended to replace them when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that level the cathodic protection capacity decreases significantly. Symptoms indicating a depleted or insufficient anode include visible pitting on the shaft, premature wear of the horn seal, or the appearance of reddish rust on the metal areas of the underwater transmission. Replacing the anode preventively at the beginning of each boating season is the most recommended practice to avoid costly shaft line breakdowns while boating.