anode

[Solent sailer]

hello
we are about to fit a new anode for this season and the chandlers asked if we needed the rubber pad to go above the anode, we have never had one fitted, what are they for ? do we need one?
tahks

 

[sailorman]

it is a softening gasket between the anode & hull it will cost pence

 

[Skyva_2]

You certainly need one, preferably replace every year.

 

[Solent sailer]

what is it for? the marina changed the anode last time and they didnt fit one.

 

[Skyva_2]

It stops the hard metal anode from bearing on the more flexible GRP hull, avoids stressing the gelcoat.

 

[Solent sailer]

thanks

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
hello
we are about to fit a new anode for this season and the chandlers asked if we needed the rubber pad to go above the anode, we have never had one fitted, what are they for ? do we need one?
tahks

[/ QUOTE ] I'm not sure that you necessarily do on a GRP boat. They are very important on wooden boats as they help to mitigate the problem of electrochemical decay in the wood near the anode. GRP boats are immune to this unfortunate condition as far as I know.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not sure that you necessarily do on a GRP boat

[/ QUOTE ] From MGDuff's website:

"Whenever an anode is fitted to a GRP or wooden hull an anode backing sheet must be used to control the wastage of the anode and protect the hull. The anode backing sheet should be replaced each time the anode is replaced"