Engine Anodes
Shop engine anodes at West Marine.
One of the most costly misfortunes that a boat owner can experience is damage to a marine engine or other boat components caused by galvanic corrosion. Pitted outdrives, leaky heat exchangers, brittle or broken propellers and destroyed prop shafts are examples of the havoc that galvanic corrosion can wreak.
Fortunately, West Marine offers a wide variety of sacrificial anodes to prevent the type of damage described above. Compared to the painful expense of repairing an engine or replacing a prop, sacrificial anodes cost a mere pittance, and are the cheapest form of insurance you can get.
What is galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic corrosion is the process that leads to the breakdown of metals immersed in an electrolyte such as salt water. When dissimilar electrically connected metals are immersed (creating a galvanic cell) a current is generated which destroys the least noble of the two metals (the anode). Many people wrongly refer to this process as electrolysis.
Available engine anodes prevent galvanic corrosion.
West Marine offers a variety of sacrificial engine anodes. Available anodes include outboard anodes, outdrive anodes, plate anodes, collar anodes and other varieties of anodes.
Pencil Anodes for Engines and Heat Exchangers
Anodes offered include “pencil” anodes for installation in engine blocks or heat exchangers. These anodes fit inside engine cooling passages and protect engines internally. They screw into a brass nut, which in turn screws into the side of the engine block. Once the complete unit is purchased, you can simply buy the replacement anode thereafter.
Outdrive Anodes
West Marine sells a variety of anodes to fit most makes and models of outboard motors and outdrive lower units. Types of outdrive anodes include lift ram anodes, trim tab anodes, prop nut anodes, bearing carrier anodes, gamble anodes and several others, which are designed to fit specific makes and models of inboard/outboard lower units. While outboard and outdrive anodes can be purchased individually, it makes more sense to purchase outboard and outdrive anodes in a kit, which greatly simplifies the shopping experience.
Are all anodes made of zinc?
The answer to this question is “no”. At West Marine, you have a choice between anodes made of zinc, aluminum and magnesium. Zinc anodes are recommended for salt water. Aluminum anodes are for use in salt water or brackish water. Magnesium anodes are for use in fresh water.
Available Anode Brands
Brands of anodes available at West Marine include Martyr, Sea Shield and Sierra.