Zinc Anode

SnakeBite

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2012
RO Number
33128
Messages
94
I'll be launching my 3257 in another week and was giving her another once-over and I realized there is no zinc anode on the boat. I'm dropping in the Ohio River (around Cincinnati) and will have it in the water all summer. Question: Should I have an anode on the boat and where would is it usually mounted?

Thanks!
 
Trim tabs, rudders and prop shafts are the most common places to have zincs. In fresh water, you don't want a zinc anode....you want a magnesium anode. If its been in fresh water most of its life without anodes and no corrosion....you might want to leave well enough alone. If there is the chance the marina might be "hot", drilling the rudders for anodes and adding prop shaft anodes is cheap insurance.
 
Ours are on the rudders and prop shafts (We're in freshwater too, Missouri River.) They last about 4 years in our marina. When I replace them next time, I'll use aluminum, more effective and minimal price difference. Interesting and funny though to see that the previous link from an aluminum anode supplier says that zinc is a toxic metal. Uh oh, I wonder if anybody told the vitamin industry because my One-A-Day is laced with it. Uh oh, and the box of Cheerios in the kitchen.
 
I believe there should also be one on the transom. Zincs are for saltwater, Magnesium is for brackish water and aluminum are for fresh water
 
Thanks, guys. I looked again and have seen no evidence if an anode onb the boat. Sounds like aluminum is what I need...don't think I'll find it in my One-A-Day, however.
 
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