ANODO RADICE EJE 45mm 0,85KG (AL)

Function and technical context

The Radice 45mm aluminum shaft anode acts as sacrificial galvanic protection directly on the vessel's tailshaft, absorbing electrochemical corrosion that would otherwise progressively destroy the shaft, propeller and drive train metal fittings. It works in the submerged propulsion system, where the combination of salt or brackish water, different metals in contact and eddy currents generates a highly corrosive environment. Being made of aluminum alloy, it is especially suitable for navigation in seawater, where it offers greater electrochemical efficiency than zinc anodes in waters with high conductivity. If this component is completely consumed without being renewed, the shaft is completely exposed to galvanic corrosion, which may cause pitting, structural weakening of the stainless steel and even irreparable damage to the horn or stuffing box.

When to replace this part?

Shaft anodes should be visually inspected at least once a season or each time the boat leaves the water; The unequivocal sign that they require replacement is when they have lost between 50% and 60% of their mass, since from that point on their protection capacity decreases drastically. In areas with a high density of electrical installations or high eddy currents, it may be necessary to replace them even more than once per season. Changing the anode preventively at the beginning of each nautical campaign is the most economical measure to avoid replacing the shaft or propeller, repairs that multiply the maintenance cost by many times.