ANODE SHAFT 60mm CMXC-60

Function and technical context

The shaft anode is a sacrificial element working within the vessel's cathodic protection system, mounted directly on the tail shaft to neutralize galvanic corrosion affecting submerged metal components. Its function is to rust in a controlled manner before the shaft, propeller or sternpost bearings, thus protecting the parts that are most expensive and difficult to replace. Without adequate anodic protection on the shaft, electrolytic corrosion can deteriorate the stainless steel or bronze of the drive assembly within a few weeks, especially in harbor or marine waters where eddy current density is high. This 60mm inner diameter anode is designed to fit precisely to the shaft, ensuring optimal electrical contact and enough sacrificial surface area for a full boating season.

When to replace this part?

The clearest symptom that the shaft anode has exhausted its useful life is the visible reduction in its mass: when the anode has lost approximately 50% of its volume it must be replaced, since below that threshold its protective capacity drops drastically and the shaft is exposed to corrosion. It is common to find superficial pitting on the shaft or characteristic discoloration in the mounting area when the anode has been overworked or has arrived late for replacement. The standard recommendation in the boating industry is to inspect and replace shaft anodes at each annual beaching or at the beginning of each boating season; In areas with especially aggressive waters or boats that remain moored for a long time, it is advisable to carry out a semi-annual inspection to avoid irreversible damage to the propulsion train.