ZINC BAR 18x400

Function and technical context

Zinc bars are sacrificial anodes designed to protect the hull, shafts, propellers and other submerged metal elements of a vessel against galvanic corrosion. Being a metal with a greater negative electrochemical potential than steel, aluminum or bronze, zinc corrodes preferentially, acting as a sacrificial electrode and preserving the integrity of the ship's metal structures. This cathodic protection system is especially critical in salt and brackish water environments, where the electrical conductivity of the medium accelerates galvanic processes. Without adequate protection, deterioration of shafts, rudders, tail housings and other components can be rapid and expensive to repair.

When to replace this part?

It is recommended to inspect the zinc anodes at least once a season and replace them when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, since below that level they no longer offer effective protection. The clear signs that the anode has completed its cycle are: a very irregular surface, a notable reduction in volume compared to the new anode, and the presence of incipient pits on the adjacent metal surfaces that it should be protecting. Preventive replacement at the beginning of each nautical season is the practice recommended by professionals in the sector, since the cost of an anode is minimal compared to repairing a corroded shaft or propeller.

Compatibility table