The role of the anode is to protect your boat from corrosion. Indeed, the installation of a boat anode offers you an opportunity to protect the metal parts of your boat from the destructive effects of corrosion. In order for you to benefit from the effectiveness of your element, you must know how to choose it according to the quality of the water on which your boat sails.
How to choose your boat anode
At present, there are various models ofboat anodes available. When buying a boat anode, we advise you not to consider only its appearance. It is best to choose your model according to its material of manufacture. Indeed, for your element to do its job properly, it must be adapted to the aquatic environment. This is a criterion not to be neglected if you want to avoid rapid wear of your boat anodes
Your element must also meet the necessary purity criteria. The alloy used in the manufacture of your anode must have a minimum purity of 99.999 6%. It must also have an iron content of less than 0.001 4%. This is to ensure the efficiency of your element. When buying an anode, you can choose between :
- zinc
- aluminium
- magnesium.
If you have an aluminium hull, magnesium anodes are for you. Aluminium and zinc models are effective with aluminium, steel and polyester hulls.
Choosing the anode for your boat depends on the environment
The quality of the water in which your boat is sailing is a criterion not to be neglected when buying your boat anode. If you are used to sailing on sea water, we recommend that you opt for aluminium or zinc anodes. These are materials that promise excellent resistance to salinity. Zinc and aluminium are also resistant to high water temperatures.
Zinc and aluminium are also suitable for use in brackish water. It is important to note that the salt concentration of brackish water is lower than that of sea water. For this reason, an aluminium boat anode is perfectly suited to this environment. And a zinc anode is intended for a boat that sails in sea water.
Maintaining your boat anode
When a boat anode wears out, which is quite normal, you should replace it without delay. However, in order to prolong its life, you should also think about its maintenance. You should know that this element should never be covered with paint. No matter what type of paint you use (antifouling or other paint).
It is also important to think about cleaning your anode regularly. For example, you can brush them when you are at anchor. If you have a boat with a wooden hull, avoid choosing magnesium anodes. Finally, try to find an anode that fits the dimensions of its location so that it can be effective.
