Bare steel, like the hull of this boat will rust more quickly in salt water than freshwater. Putting the anodes on the boat basically turns the entire boat into a big battery cell. In a battery cell there is an anode and a cathode. This anode will protect the steel (cathode) since the zinc will more readily release ions than steel and take the corrosion instead. Called a sacrificial anode they will need to be replaced from time to time. This cluster of photos shows the spent or sacrificed anode, a new anode and Wayne replacing one on the boat. The boat requires around 8 to 10 such anodes on various parts like the hull, rudder, and propeller shaft.
In fresh (unsalty) water this corrosive effect is much less and the anodes degrade at a much slower rate. Also the better covered or painted the steel is the slower the anodes will degrade.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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