Anode connections

Serenwib

New member
Joined
4 Feb 2025
Messages
4
Visit site
I have both a hull and shaft anode on my Sadler 29. Both are eroding very slowly. The hull anode is wired to the engine mount on one side and to the prop. leg on the other. The wiring to the prop. leg is bolted to the reinforcing grp lump inside the hull, and I can only assume it goes through to the metal part of the leg. Even if it does touch the leg it seems to me the contact to the shaft must go through the cutlass bearing. Can that be any use?
 

Tranona

Well-known member
Joined
10 Nov 2007
Messages
42,707
Visit site
No. There is no need for a connection to the P bracket. The hull anode is probably not needed either as a shaft anode is usually enough. No harm in leaving the hull anode though.
 

Serenwib

New member
Joined
4 Feb 2025
Messages
4
Visit site
Many thanks. Does that mean the connection to the engine mountings is irrelevant? Does the hull anode do anything at all? Could it be made useful?
 

vyv_cox

Well-known member
Joined
16 May 2001
Messages
25,957
Location
France, sailing Aegean Sea.
coxeng.co.uk
My Sadler 34 had a hull anode connected to the P bracket when I bought the boat. Not only is any benefit very debatable anyway, additionally the anode could not 'see' the P-bracket. I removed the anode 30 years ago. Painting the P-bracket offers far better protection.
 

Tranona

Well-known member
Joined
10 Nov 2007
Messages
42,707
Visit site
Many thanks. Does that mean the connection to the engine mountings is irrelevant? Does the hull anode do anything at all? Could it be made useful?
It depends on what part of the mount. It could be a path to the shaft through the gearbox and coupling if the coupling is solid. However if this is the intention it is more normal to attach it to one of the bolts holding the gearbox to the engine.
 

Serenwib

New member
Joined
4 Feb 2025
Messages
4
Visit site
In view of Vyv’s comment I’m inclined to just leave the hull anode or remove it altogether. If not, would just one wire to the gearbox/engine casings be enough? Does there need to be a return from the shaft?
 

Tranona

Well-known member
Joined
10 Nov 2007
Messages
42,707
Visit site
In view of Vyv’s comment I’m inclined to just leave the hull anode or remove it altogether. If not, would just one wire to the gearbox/engine casings be enough? Does there need to be a return from the shaft?
Just a connection to the engine achieves nothing. As in post#5 it is just a potential path to the prop shaft/propeller. If it were intended to protect the P bracket it could be connected direct to that and no need to go to the engine.
 
Top