ANODO COLLAR GORI 3P SAILDRIVE Ø18" (AL)

Function and technical context

This collar anode for GORI three-blade saildrive propeller acts as active galvanic protection on the propeller shaft and hub, areas especially exposed to electrolytic corrosion in marine environments. Made of aluminum alloy, it is ideal for navigation in salty and brackish waters where the electrolyte density is high and the galvanic attack on the metals of the propulsion train is more aggressive. When installed as a collar around the shaft of the three-blade GORI propeller with a diameter of 18 inches, the anode becomes the preferred sacrificial element: it corrodes itself to preserve the metal parts of the saildrive, the shaft and the propeller from premature deterioration. Without adequate cathodic protection at this critical point, corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the propeller and saildrive, leading to costly dockside repairs or even loss of the propeller while underway.

When to replace this part?

Aluminum anodes should be inspected at least once a season, coinciding with the annual dry cleaning of the boat. The unmistakable sign that the anode has exhausted its useful life is the visible reduction in its mass: when the anode has lost between 50% and 70% of its volume compared to the new state, it must be replaced immediately without waiting for the end of the season. In boats that remain in the water for a long time or navigate in areas with high electrical conductivity - ports with poor electrical installations or waters with high salinity - it is recommended to check the condition of the collar quarterly. Preventatively replacing the anode before it is completely depleted is the most economical measure to prevent galvanic corrosion from reaching the shaft, propeller or internal components of the saildrive.