Another Anode question

[Peter]

Having been convinced I do not need protection for my new Blakes seacocks. Do I need protection for the engine, at the moment the only protection is a shaft anode. Shaft and engine electronically connected via coupling bolts. Question is should the engine, (batteries?) be given “better” protection by it own anode?

Peter

 

[FullCircle]

If you have certain Yanmar Engines, they have a pencil anode in the block.

I have a shaft anode only, 450g which lasts the year. I have no other devices at all.
Some people use a hanging anode, connected to the engine whic they deploy over the side, as they are more economical, being a Kg or more in size.

I have also fitted a Galvanic isolator for when I am hooked to shore power.

 

[Tranona]

The engine does not need "protection" from an extra anode unless the manufacturer has put one in the seawater side usually if it is freshwater cooled because of mix of metals. The reason an external anode may be connected to the engine is for the shaft and prop when a shaft anode cannot be fitted. In this case the connection between the engine and shaft must be sound either because the coupling is solid or a bridge is used across a flexible coupling.

 

[VicS]

An anode on the outside of the boat will give no protection to the engine's cooling system what so ever!

If the engine is designed with an anode, in the main part of the cooling system somewhere in the case of directly cooled engines or in the seawater side of the heat exchanger of indirectly cooled engines, then inspect it according to the engine makers instructions and replace when necessary.