Anode opinion - think it's done in?

[MagicalArmchair]

I am due back in the water on Tuesday (I did only haul out last Tuesday - the less time out of the water, the more time for sailing), and I thought when I wire brushed the anode on the saildrive on haul out it was fine, as it has more that 50% left, however, on closer inspection this weekend I can see the below.



Do you think this is good for another season? Or do I find somewhere I can next day the prop screws and locking washer and a new anode to next day so I can fit it just before I launch? This anode was fitted in summer 2023, so it is only wearing at a gradual rate...? This might be a case of me trying to talk myself into not needing to replace it ...

 

[Boathook]

I would replace it. Items seem to wear at an exponential rate, especially on a boat.

 

[lustyd]

There’s plenty of anode left so if it doesn’t fall off you’re all good. There is, however, one narrow bit which indicates that’s wearing faster probably due to being nearer a connection or dissimilar metal. That will fail soon and the whole thing will fall off.

Replace it and sell the old anode to a scrap dealer who will pay a reasonable amount for the metal.

 

[Bouba]

Replace it..............now!

 

[Biggles Wader]

I was advised not to use a wire brush on zinc anodes-------apparently it leaves traces of ferrous metal in the zinc which affects their longevity and ability to work. Either way I'd replace that one.

 

[lustyd]

I was advised not to use a wire brush on zinc anodes-------apparently it leaves traces of ferrous metal in the zinc which affects their longevity and ability to work. Either way I'd replace that one.

Depends what the wire brush is made of

 

[Tranona]

Plenty of meat left in that. are you planning a winter haulout ? If so replace then.

 

[oldgit]

Replace it..............now!

cannot believe anybody would not be changing that £20.00 ? anode ?

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Ha if only it was £20! It’s one of these Ambassador Marine at £79, plus I need to get a new locking washer and locking bolt (both about £12 a shot) for the prop. The real killer is timing, if I miss my lift in on Tuesday, I can’t lift in for another three weeks, so sailing time lost.

I do need to get it done though, dang it.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

I was advised not to use a wire brush on zinc anodes-------apparently it leaves traces of ferrous metal in the zinc which affects their longevity and ability to work. Either way I'd replace that one.

Ordered all the parts I need on next day - £90, but far cheaper than a new saildrive!

I hadn't appreciated the above, and yup, it's steel wire brush. What do you use? A nylon brush?

 

[Tranona]

Brass wire brushes are available wire-brush.co.uk/wirebrushstore/cat_283882-Brass-Hand-Wire-Brushes.html

 

[Bouba]

Ha if only it was £20! It’s one of these Ambassador Marine at £79, plus I need to get a new locking washer and locking bolt (both about £12 a shot) for the prop. The real killer is timing, if I miss my lift in on Tuesday, I can’t lift in for another three weeks, so sailing time lost.

I do need to get it done though, dang it.

No…not for three weeks. But definitely don’t try to get a season out of it

 

[lustyd]

The real killer is timing

You should have ordered two of everything so you have a spare next time. With the way the economy is changing, £90 will look like a bargain next year so a good investment. I keep spares of all of mine on the boat just in case there's no stock when we lift out. Also have spare cutless bearing for the same reason.

 

[neil_s]

Launch now and have a mid season scrub off to check it's still OK.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

I've dropped it off, and there is actually quite a lot of meat left on it. Because that lip is so thin, and the backing plate is thicker, the chances of it falling off would have been very slim. I will sleep a lot, lot better knowing I've changed it though.

I'm hoping to still launch next week - it's going to be touch and go though!

 

[lustyd]

Ah now that I would have probably considered fine, the original image made it look more fragile than it is

 

[Bouba]

The anode is off the boat…half the work is done…might as well change it and keep that one in the spare’s box for emergencies

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Better safe than sorry . Thanks all

 

[NC11]

Jumping in on this…opinions? First time for me changing myself.

 

[Tranona]

Looks like plenty left, but you really need to know how long they have been in use and when you next plan to haul to know whethe there is enough to last before the next chance to change