Do small outboards need an anode

[Snowgoose-1]

Particularly in on transom or well. Thanking

 

[Tranona]

No.

 

[LittleSister]

Don't leave it sitting in the water when not in use.
I'm not certain, but I have a vague recollection there might be an anode under the horizontal plate (forgotten name) above the prop on an old small outboard I have, but I've never needed to change it.

 

[James_Calvert]

Our 4hp Evinrude has an anode under the cavitation plate. It once wasted away somewhat when I'd left the engine dipped in the sea for a couple of months. I had to do a repaint job in the area too

 

[ChromeDome]

If large enought to have a trim tab, it commonly doubles as an anode.

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Thankyou for the helpful replies.I should have the mention that outboard is in the water all the time and is about 5 feet from marina metal pile. Would that change anything ?. Thanks

 

[VicS]

Thankyou for the helpful replies.I should have the mention that outboard is in the water all the time and is about 5 feet from marina metal pile. Would that change anything ?. Thanks

Hopefully there is no eletrical connection between the outboard and the metal pile or the shoreside electrical system earth.
However if you have a shorepower supply with the earth conductor connected to the 12 volt system negative and the outboard has a battery charging capability or electric starting you should fit a galvanic isolator because the 12 volt DC system, and consequntly, the shorepower earth will be "grounded" to the outboard.

If the outboard is in the water all the time inspect the anode(s) regularly and replace as required to maintain the cathodic protection. Consider adding an extra anode or two.

 

[Boathook]

My yamaha malta, 3.5hp, has a trim tab that doubles as an anode.

 

[ChromeDome]

Thankyou for the helpful replies.I should have the mention that outboard is in the water all the time and is about 5 feet from marina metal pile. Would that change anything ?. Thanks

Even if there is no electrical connection/galvanic corrosion it still wold be good to lift/tilt the motor up when not i use.
Eliminate instead of mitigate the problem of corrosion, growth, dirt, grime and other ugly things going on "down there"

 

[QBhoy]

Most have one, to be fair. Some external and visible, on the gearbox…some internal in the cooling water jacket. Some both.