Outboard engine anode - Does it need one?

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Outboard engine anode. Does it need one?

Used in salt water. Always left in boat ( on an International Folkboat.)

My immediate thought is yes, but it has been used by previous owner without an anode.

S.

 

[VicS]

Outboard engine anode. Does it need one?

Used in salt water. Always left in boat ( on an International Folkboat.)

My immediate thought is yes, but it has been used by previous owner without an anode.

S.

Most modern outboards have anodes. usually just on the gearcase,

the most modern sometimes have anodes in the powerhead too.

If you leave the engine mounted so that the bottom end is always in the water I'd think it fairly important to have an anode and to replace when necessary, other wise probably not all that important. Never replaced the anode on my Evinrude in its 30 year life, but when not in use it is lifted clear of the water.

It's possible to bolt anodes on to the AV plate if necessary.

You dont say what engine you have.

 

[Ludd]

A yacht here lost the prop of his outboard when then the split pin holding it on suffered from lack of anode protection.Prop cost a lot more than an anode!

 

[VicS]

A yacht here lost the prop of his outboard when then the split pin holding it on suffered from lack of anode protection.Prop cost a lot more than an anode!

I'd expect the pin holding an outboard prop to be made of an alloy that does not need the protection of an anode.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

You dont say what engine you have.

Mercury 4hp 2 stroke.... (long shaft)

 

[Tranona]

Not a good idea to leave it in the water, even with an anode. Apart from the risk of corrosion it will get covered in fouling very quickly. Outboards are just not intended for permanent submersion in seawater.

 

[TQA]

outboard engine anode. Does it need one?

Used in salt water. Always left in boat ( on an international folkboat.)

my immediate thought is yes, but it has been used by previous owner without an anode.

S.

yes it needs one!

 

[VicS]

Mercury 4hp 2 stroke.... (long shaft)

Depends on age but if not ancient #15 is the anode

 

[Beyondhelp]

Not a good idea to leave it in the water, even with an anode. Apart from the risk of corrosion it will get covered in fouling very quickly. Outboards are just not intended for permanent submersion in seawater.

Not really true, Well put it this way, they are made exactly the same way as a alpha/bravo outdrive, using same kind of corrosion protection. I do agree however that its best to keep these things out of the water if possible.

 

[vyv_cox]

I bought my Tohatsu outboard in 2004. It doesn't get a great deal of use, maybe only half a dozen time per season, otherwise it sits on the pushpit. I was looking at the anode a couple of days ago, still looks to have plenty of metal left on it.

 

[Tranona]

Not really true, Well put it this way, they are made exactly the same way as a alpha/bravo outdrive, using same kind of corrosion protection. I do agree however that its best to keep these things out of the water if possible.

However, you can lift the outdrives clear of the water, as you can with an outboard on the transom, but the OP is describing an outboard in a well that cannot be tilted or lifted. Painting with Trilux might help reduce fouling and potential corrosion.

 

[VicS]

However, you can lift the outdrives clear of the water, as you can with an outboard on the transom, but the OP is describing an outboard in a well that cannot be tilted or lifted. Painting with Trilux might help reduce fouling and potential corrosion.

I reckon the sensible way forward is to add one ( or two) anodes to the AV plate. Even if it has the anode shown in the diagram in #8