ANODE CAP

Function and technical context

Sacrificial anodes are essential components in the cathodic protection system of any vessel, acting as an electrochemical shield against galvanic corrosion that affects metal parts submerged or in contact with salt and brackish water. This anode with reference TEN00160 is installed in strategic areas of the engine, transmission or hull to absorb the oxidation process in a controlled manner, thus protecting higher-cost structural and functional elements such as propellers, axles, transmission casings or engine blocks. Without adequate cathodic protection, galvanic corrosion can silently degrade critical components, causing serious mechanical failures, leaks and high-cost repairs. The correct selection of the anode material—zinc for salt water, aluminum for brackish water, and magnesium for fresh water—determines the effectiveness of the protection system.

When to replace this part?

Sacrificial anodes should be inspected at least at the beginning and end of each nautical season, and replaced when they have lost approximately 50% of their mass, have a very irregular surface, or have completely disappeared, indicating that adjacent components have been left unprotected for a period of time. An unequivocal symptom that the anode has exhausted its useful life is the appearance of pitting or visible corrosion on the propeller, shaft or motor foot housing. Replacing the anode preventively at the beginning of each season is the practice recommended by professionals in the sector, since the cost of the anode is minimal compared to repairing an eroded propeller or a corroded shaft.