Aluminum/Zinc Anode Mixing

Sicktght311

Sicktght311

Active Member
Sep 21, 2021
108
Boat Info
Sundancer 270
Engines
7.4L MPI/Bravo3
I know its a no no to mix two different types of anode metals on your outdrive, or motor/etc. But what about Zinc on Trim Tabs, and Aluminum on the outdrive? Reason being, is i have a set of Zinc 4" trim tab pucks in my garage leftover, but my outdrive set is all aluminum, and if i dont have to make another trip to grab different Anodes for the Trim tabs, i wont. Thoughts? Or should i just go buy Aluminum trim tab anodes and shut up
 
What water are you using the boat in?
 
It's not "ideal", but keep an eye on them - especially the drive anodes. You might find that the drive anodes are wearing away faster since they're also trying to protect the zinc anodes. I can't say how fast that would happen, but there will likely be some trade-off for having to replace the Al ones sooner than expected. But again, I can't say "what rate/how fast" that would happen - just that it will. Your call.
 
For the $30, the answer seems to just be, go get aluminum, worry less.

Got it
 
Sicktght311 said:
Salt. Great South Bay of Long Island NY
Click to expand...
Aluminum is not the greatest in salt water - use zinc only. Aluminum is supposed to be okay in salt or brackish but it erodes quickly. Magnesium is recommended in fresh. Consult your manual and Martyr. It's clearly written on the box.
 
Last edited:
Juliery said:
Aluminum is not recommended in salt water - use zinc only. Aluminum is used in fresh or brackish. Consult your manual and Martyr. It's clearly written on the box.
Click to expand...
Huh? You're thinking of Magnesium. Aluminum is designed for Salt, Zinc for Salt/Brackish, Magnesium for Fresh
 
Salt = Zinc
B2991BA1-3C80-4158-B7D0-D3D1D810066D.png
994C6E9C-F806-4E79-BEFE-42D3F32714DB.png
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,119
Messages
1,426,568
Members
61,036
Latest member
Randy S
Back
Top