ANODE SHAFT 20 mm.

Function and technical context

Shaft anodes are the core element of cathodic protection systems on shaft-powered vessels, acting as a sacrificial metal to preserve the integrity of the tailshaft, propeller and adjacent metal surfaces from galvanic corrosion. This 20mm anode is mounted directly on the drive shaft, electrically interposing itself between the submerged metal masses and the water, so that it is the anode itself that corrodes rather than the structural components of the transmission. Without effective cathodic protection, galvanic corrosion silently attacks the shaft, sprockets, horns and propeller, irreversibly compromising the propulsion system. Its correct installation and periodic replacement is a low-cost preventive maintenance measure with a direct impact on the useful life of the drive assembly.

When to replace this part?

The wear of the shaft anode is visible to the naked eye: when the anode has lost approximately 50% of its mass or has a very irregular and eroded surface, it must be replaced without delay, since below that threshold its protection capacity decreases drastically. It is recommended to inspect and replace the shaft anodes at least once per nautical season, or more frequently if the boat usually navigates in waters with high conductivity or with the presence of galvanic currents in the pontoon. Do not wait for the anode to disappear completely: an unprotected shaft, even for a few weeks in salt water, can suffer pitting and loss of section that requires replacement of the shaft, with the cost and immobilization that this entails.

Compatibility