ANODE 2 ALUMINUM SHAFT

Function and technical context

The 2-inch aluminum shaft anode acts as a sacrificial protector in the boat's propulsion system, installing directly over the tailshaft to protect it from galvanic corrosion. When submerged in salt or brackish water, the aluminum of this anode preferentially oxidizes, preserving the metallic integrity of the shaft, propellers and other metallic components of the propulsion group. Without adequate cathodic protection, the stainless steel or bronze shaft suffers accelerated degradation that can compromise power transmission and lead to costly drivetrain repairs. The CMX-9A reference is designed specifically for 2-inch diameter shafts, guaranteeing a secure fit and optimal electrical contact with the metal surface to be protected.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes must be inspected at the beginning of each nautical season and replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that threshold their protection capacity decreases significantly. Clear signs that the anode is exhausted include a visible reduction in its volume, an irregular, highly porous surface, or the appearance of reddish or greenish corrosion on the shaft itself next to the anode. Preventive replacement is recommended at least once a year, coinciding with the maintenance stranding, to avoid pitting in the shaft and damage to the bearings that generate vibrations, loss of propeller performance and breakdowns at sea.