REGGIANI ANODE SHAFT 40

Function and technical context

The shaft anode is a cathodic protection element that is installed directly on the propeller shaft to protect submerged metal components from galvanic corrosion. It works in the boat's propulsion system, acting as a sacrificial metal: having a lower electrochemical potential than the stainless steel, bronze or aluminum of the shaft and propeller, the anode preferentially corrodes, preserving those critical parts. Without effective cathodic protection, galvanic corrosion can degrade the drive shaft, bushings and propeller in a single season, especially in salt or brackish waters where the electrical conductivity of the water accelerates the process. The Reggiani anode for 40 mm shaft (reference TEN00463) is made of zinc, the most suitable material for boats in marine waters.

When to replace this part?

The clearest sign that the shaft anode needs replacement is the visible reduction in its mass: when it has lost between 50% and 70% of its volume, it must be replaced immediately, as it no longer protects the shaft effectively. As a general rule, shaft anodes should be inspected at least once a season—ideally at the annual beaching—and replaced whenever they show significant wear, cracks, or an excessively uneven surface. Replacing the anode preventively at each grounding is the most economical measure to avoid repairing or replacing a corrosion-damaged propeller shaft, a costly failure that can put your boat out of service.