ANODE SHAFT 1-1/8

Function and technical context

The shaft anode is a sacrificial element that forms part of the vessel's cathodic protection system, acting directly on the tail shaft to prevent galvanic corrosion that affects submerged metals. Being made of an alloy with a lower electrochemical potential than the shaft, the anode preferentially corrodes, protecting both the propulsion shaft and the horn, the flying buttress and the metal accessories of the transmission assembly. Without adequate cathodic protection, electrolytic corrosion can deteriorate the stainless steel or bronze shaft in an accelerated manner, compromising the structural integrity of the transmission line and causing vibrations, looseness and in extreme cases the breakage of the shaft during navigation. The CMXC-04 anode is designed for 1-1/8 inch diameter shafts, being direct installation by clamp on the submerged shaft.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes must be inspected at least once a season and replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since from that point on the cathodic protection is insufficient to cover the entire navigation season. Clear signs that the anode has reached the end of its useful life are the appearance of pitting or discoloration on the shaft near the horn, unusual vibrations in the shaft line, or a visibly shrunken and hardened anode upon ground inspection. Replacing the anode preventively at each seasonal tune-up is the most economical measure to avoid the costly repair or replacement of a tail shaft damaged by corrosion.