209173 RCD-2
Index A
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8.5 PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTROLYSIS / EARTH PLATE
8.5.1 Anodes
General points
- The sacrificial anode protects the submerged elements of the boat against electrolysis.
- A sacrificial anode is a consumable part that protects submerged metal parts by its dissolution (oxidation). The anodes
used are made of a metal that is more readily reductive than the metal they are protecting.
- On a new boat, all the underwater metallic components seek to reach the same electric potential, which leads to the
rapid deterioration of the anodes during the first few weeks in the water.
- You can put several anodes on the hull.
Maintenance
- At least 2 times a year, check the corrosion on all of the anodes. Change the anode if necessary (Before it has lost 50%
of its weight).
- Use the appropriate anodes for the cruising area: magnesium anodes for fresh water; zinc anodes for seawater.
- If the motor mountings are raised, the anodes are out of the water: in this case the anodes can no longer protect the
sterndrive: take note of the skipper's recommendations.
- When the boat is kept in a dry dock, a light deposit of dust will settle on the anodes: clean the anodes before
relaunching.
- Never cover the anodes in antifoul.
- During the first few weeks that the boat is in
the water, check the anodes and replace them if
necessary: they erode very rapidly during this
period.
Electrical system
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