Something I Didn't Know About Anodes

[nigelmercier]

I've about to dive under my boat to replace the anode. This is the first time I've bought one in a box, with instructions!

 

[Stork_III]

Is that the standard instruction sheet that comes with VP anodes? As they say RTFM. :encouragement:

 

[Otter]

News to me - thanks.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Stands to reason that oxidation will reduce conductivity. But this is largely irrelevant to my situation on drying mooring. At least I'm out of the water half the time when de zincification can't take place

 

[sailorman]

did my shaft anode on Saturday, also gave it 2 donks with a hammer after the first tighten up, then tightened again. i also abraded the shaft & anode prior to fitting

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Having never sanded away the oxidised layer, I still find my anode has sacrificed about 1/4 after two years, so it can't be that critical, surely.

 

[Euphonyx]

you get two years out of an anode?? Lucky if one lasts a year here!!

 

[nigelmercier]

As it happens, it didn't need replacing (2 years), but I gave it a good scrape. Looks like the hanging anodes over the stern are doing a good job.

Here's a tip though: if your anode is in two halves, and the two surfaces where the screws protrude do not meet, then before you dive under your boat, push the screws in and put O-rings on them to make them captive. If you don't have any tiny O-rings, double one over in a figure 8.

 

[johnalison]

I think that a new anode is likely to work, but the usual problem is an anode which has been immersed. If it is then brought out and reused I was informed that it could take up to two weeks before it becomes effective again, so scraping it clean is necessary.