Anode question

[LiquidWrench]

I am moving the boat to salt water. I have been reading about anodes needed for salt water and there seems to be 2 options, aluminum or zinc. Zinc I know has been used for years but from what I am reading it seems aluminum is better. I am just having trouble wrapping my head around using aluminum to protect aluminum. The boat will for the most part be kept on the trailer but will have occasional stays in the water for a couple days and I want to make sure that everything is going to be ok.

 

[dwna1a]

If your in a marina get with the other boaters around you. See what they are using. Also get with the crew at Boatzincs.com they are always willing to help

 

[Lazy Daze]

I am just having trouble wrapping my head around using aluminum to protect aluminum.

It's the specific composition of the Al anode. Think of it like comparing steel and stainless steel. Both are steel, yet they are quite different. This is also why you don't want to skimp on anodes and buy some Made in China special. Make sure you're getting quality stuff - don't buy based just on price. Merc does make a very good quality anode, but personally I like the Navalloy brand.

However, as mentioned above, the best way to decide is to check with others (with SIMILAR setups as you) in the waters that you'll be boating. What may be good for one body of water, may not be the best for another.

 

[Sea Gull]

If you are really doing "occasional stays in the water for a couple of days", I would buy the cheapest zincs I could find and just monitor them. This is the way we use our dinghy, and zincs should last many, many years in these conditions.

 

[wayne0]

If you are really doing "occasional stays in the water for a couple of days", I would buy the cheapest zincs I could find and just monitor them. This is the way we use our dinghy, and zincs should last many, many years in these conditions.

+1!