Anode Type in Salt

[jason78]

I have an anode question- I know Magnesium anodes for Freshwater and Aluminum anodes for Salt. My boat stays in Freshwater. If I do a brief (4-5 day) trip to a salt location, is it generally acceptable to leave the Magnesium anodes on or will they be damaged by even a short salt exposure?

Just trying to figure out if I need to buy 2 whole Aluminum sets for a short trip.

Thanks!

 

[RLKBOB]

Not sure about the answer to your question but don't you mean zinc anode for salt?

 

[electricaldoctor]

Salt Water = Zinc
Fresh Water = Magnezium
Brackish Water = Aluminum

 

[Jersey Mike]

Salt Water = Zinc
Fresh Water = Magnezium
Brackish Water = Aluminum

I would like to know the source of this info...I*believe* that is different than Mercury Marines recommendations

 

[Rono007]

Salt Water = Zinc
Fresh Water = Magnezium
Brackish Water = Aluminum

These metals are the standard for the assocciated water types. Just do a Google search and everyone agrees on this.

To answer the question, if you are doing all of your boating in fresh water, then you want Mag anodes. If there's even a remote chance you will be splashing in salt, then go with Aluminum. Do not put your boat in salt with Mag anodes.

Good luck and safe boating!

 

[jason78]

These metals are the standard for the assocciated water types. Just do a Google search and everyone agrees on this.

To answer the question, if you are doing all of your boating in fresh water, then you want Mag anodes. If there's even a remote chance you will be splashing in salt, then go with Aluminum. Do not put your boat in salt with Mag anodes.

Good luck and safe boating!

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I am curious- will the salt water really eat up the magnesium anodes within a few days? I was planning on putting on a new set of Magnesium anodes when I get it back to the lake anyway but I was really hoping I would not have to buy two sets on Alumnium anodes for such a short trip in the salt.

Does anoyne that trailers between fresh and salt just keep both types of anodes and switch them back and forth?

Thanks Again

 

[Rono007]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I am curious- will the salt water really eat up the magnesium anodes within a few days? I was planning on putting on a new set of Magnesium anodes when I get it back to the lake anyway but I was really hoping I would not have to buy two sets on Alumnium anodes for such a short trip in the salt.

Does anoyne that trailers between fresh and salt just keep both types of anodes and switch them back and forth?

Thanks Again

Just put Al anodes on. That should work in salt and fresh and then there's no reason to change them out.

 

[Redhook98]

DO NOT GO INTO SALT WATER WITH MAG ANODES!!!! It is not a question of them getting eaten up quickly (they will). It is a question of your boat being OVER-PROTECTED. If you insert mag anodes into salt water, the boat will be so over-protected that your bottom paint and outdrive paint will literaly burn off. It will also damage fiberglass if left in for too long. Not worth the chance!!!

 

[dpmulvey]

These guys make a very good product and are customer oriented. I have been very pleased with them for years.

http://www.performancemetals.com/

 

[jason78]

These guys make a very good product and are customer oriented. I have been very pleased with them for years.

http://www.performancemetals.com/

Looks promising. They have developed an Aluminum Alloy that they say protects better than MAG or ALUM in fresh or salt water. Anyone else used them or have an idea on how the price compares to the Merc kits?

 

[electricaldoctor]

How can I be sure of what type of anode that I have bolted on the back of my boat? After grinding off all of the crud, the only writing that is on it is "AMP" and "Do Not Paint" What metal is it? How do I know what the PO installed?:huh::huh:

I think that it is too heavy for aluminum. I could weigh it, but I would not be any further ahead.

 

[Rono007]

Honestly, they are cheap enough that it's not worth it. My full set of Mg anodes for my Bravo 3 was something like $72. I didn't ask questions, I just replaced them to feel secure in my head and to know I had fresh anodes protecting my outdrive.

 

[Lazy Daze]

These guys make a very good product and are customer oriented. I have been very pleased with them for years.

http://www.performancemetals.com/

+1. I use those, too. From reading and research, in my opinion, they are a step up over Merc stuff.

 

[ChuckW]

According to the site http://www.performancemetals.com/anodes/navalloy.shtml
"Magnesium Anodes - Caution!
Magnesium is the most active metal on the Galvanic scale. It can be used in freshwater, but care must exercised. Magnesium can over-protect aluminum hulls or outdrives in salt or brackish water or even polluted freshwater, causing paint to be lifted with resulting corrosion. Even a few hours immersion can cause severe damage."