Anode Question

[Squidward]

Bringing our new 3888 to the lift next week for annual maintenance. It would save me a rushed trip to the chandlery if I could buy the anodes in advance. Can anyone give me an idea what I need?

I know the shafts are 1.5 inch. I also know only two of the trim tabs have anodes installed right now, but I'm not sure why that would be. I couldn't be around for the survey, so this is secondhand knowledge.

[MacPhid]

1.5" for the shafts are correct, I just buy a rudder anode set (two halves) for the trim tabs. I'm guessing because they are bonded together in the lazarette that only two tabs have them installed. I've not had to change the transom anode yet, as I recall it's an orphaned mount now, new ones have different mounting holes.

James

[Pcpete]

A standard two slot brick will fit on two of the transom bolts just fine. There are companies that make a three slot, I found them by searching “Bayliner anodes”.

[smitty477]

1.5" for the shafts are correct, I just buy a rudder anode set (two halves) for the trim tabs. I'm guessing because they are bonded together in the lazarette that only two tabs have them installed. I've not had to change the transom anode yet, as I recall it's an orphaned mount now, new ones have different mounting holes.

James

We always bought the 'blank' 6 X 12 zincs and transferred the holes to the new blank zinc - they drill quite easily.
Most often we went with a 3/4" or more thick plate as that would last multiple years before wearing significantly whereas the 1/2" zincs would typically only last one season.
Clean all threads before putting on the new zinc and we used Superlube on the threads for quick attach and removal.
Please use a thin wrench against the hull to hold the nut/shaft from turning when snugging up the outer nut.

[talman]

In the PNW, lots of us double up on the shaft zinc, two right next to each other. If you split rudder zinc for the tabs, use caution on the washers and bolts. If you have thrusters, each has a pair.
You are in Richmond, which is likely fresh water. You need aluminum, not zinc, if you are going out into the Salish. Good luck. When they pull her out, ask how much she weighs, just for fun.
Good luck

[purduepilot]

My boat had double shaft anodes when I got it so I've kept it that way, but have wondered why... I also have shaft brushes that are bonded back to the main 6x12 anode.

[Smitten]

Hi Talman - about half the time my shaft zincs are gone when we do the bi-yearly check. A friend claims his have been thrown into his prop. Do you think this double mounting helps this problem? Yes, I do tap them with a hammer and retighten and tap again. Thanks Smitten

[talman]

I think that it helps. I also had issues keeping a single shaft zinc on for a year. That is a giant amount of bronze and SS out there. The battery that a little chunk of zinc and those shafts/props make in salt takes a big toll on the zinc. More zinc lasts longer, imho.

[Squidward]

Are there any zincs on the prop nuts?

[MacPhid]

No zinc's on the prop nuts on our 38.

James

[Squidward]

I dug up a few pictures taken at the time of inspection. There's a single disk shaped anode to the left of the transom thruster. Is that to replace the "brick" anode I've been hearing about, or is the brick somewhere else? Thanks!

[MacPhid]

I suspect that one replaced the brick. That one looks identical to the original trim tab anodes.

James

[Mr._Darcy]

Just a suggestion... after installing the proper anodes, mask the anodes and paint shafts, props, rudders, and trim tabs with 'Prop Coat' or similar product. Your underwater metals will be better protected and the anodes will last much longer. I just followed the directions on the can. In my case the paint lasted 3+ years and the anodes lasted just shy of two years. Make sure all bonding wires are in good condition, clean all the connections too.

Greg

[Squidward]

Ok, so I stopped by my chandlery this past weekend to pick up some anodes, and I was looking for Aluminum because that's what I used on my last boat (Bravo 3, so usually just got a packaged set).

However the selection of loose Aluminum anodes was crap. I went to the counter to have them order the right ones in Aluminum, but the guy there ended up convincing me that Zinc was better anyway.

For the record, I'm on the Fraser river which feeds into the ocean. It's generally considered brackish, although I haven't exactly tested the salt content myself. There's a beaver living next door to my boat, if that tells you anything.

I'm having second thoughts about putting these Zinc anodes on my boat, because there's a lot of conflicting opinions out there. Some say Zinc is the worst anode of all, some not. Some say Zinc develops a coating, and some say Aluminum does.

I change anodes every year anyway. Does it even matter what I use?

[MacPhid]

Squid,

If you look at the photo of our transom you'll see the rectangular zinc. It is the original factory installed anode, 30 + years. Zinc in fresh water lasts forever, probably provides little protection. Our trim tab anodes were original as well, only had to change them after we completed the loop Its first taste of salt water
Beavers like fresh water as far as I know. If you go out to salt water on a regular basis I would go with your original thought and install aluminum anodes

James

[Uncle_Bob]

The tide floods the river for miles. Zinc is fine. I've never used shaft zincs. I mentioned the factory didn't use shaft zincs but someone claims his came with them. Maybe, or maybe a dealer add-on. I use a 3/4" 6x12 zinc and two round 4" zincs sandwiched to the trim tabs.

[purduepilot]

We're on Lake Union and intend to spend 20-50 days per year in the salt. We use aluminum.

[Adventuren1]

Ok, so I stopped by my chandlery this past weekend to pick up some anodes, and I was looking for Aluminum because that's what I used on my last boat (Bravo 3, so usually just got a packaged set).

However the selection of loose Aluminum anodes was crap. I went to the counter to have them order the right ones in Aluminum, but the guy there ended up convincing me that Zinc was better anyway.

For the record, I'm on the Fraser river which feeds into the ocean. It's generally considered brackish, although I haven't exactly tested the salt content myself. There's a beaver living next door to my boat, if that tells you anything.

I'm having second thoughts about putting these Zinc anodes on my boat, because there's a lot of conflicting opinions out there. Some say Zinc is the worst anode of all, some not. Some say Zinc develops a coating, and some say Aluminum does.

I change anodes every year anyway. Does it even matter what I use?

This was a lesson I went through also when I changed anodes not long ago. I am no expert but I do believe the difference matters. I think part of what adds to the confusion is that boaters over time have been calling anodes "zincs" just generically. So zinc became ingrained in our thinking. There is good information out there about what each type of anode is best for. Aluminum is my preference for salt water.