Zinc anodes are quite important for most ocean-going boaters. While they are relatively simple items, they can make a huge difference when it comes to the wear and tear of metal parts. If you are a new boater, you may wonder about where to place these anodes. There are several important areas, but none are more important than the hull, the rudder and the propeller. These areas are particularly prone to galvanic corrosion, and thus must be protected at all costs. As a boat owner, it is up to you to make sure the anodes are in place and working. Deep Blue Yacht Supply carries the entire line of Zimar Zinc anodes. Zimar zincs are routinely known as the absolute best zinc anodes in the industry. We wouldn't recommend any other zinc anodes.
First and foremost, make sure that you have zinc anodes properly placed on the hull of your boat. If you have a boat with a metal body, the reason for this should be obvious - you do not, after all, want to lose your hull to corrosion. If the body is not metal, you should still take the time to make sure that zinc anodes are attached to any kind of bonding circuit. If you fail to do so, you may find that any sort of metal fitting that is underwater and electrically bonded will be damaged over a relatively short period of time.
It is also important to make sure that your rudder and propeller are likewise protected. Most propellers feature some kind of zinc anodes, but it is important to make sure that they are replaced when necessary. These usually clamp around the propeller's shaft, and taking a moment to make sure the area is clean before installation is vital. The zinc anodes attached to the rudder are usually in the form of discs, and can be bolted directly to the surface of the rudder. They are generally designed to make sure that the boat does not lose efficiency due to their presence.
If you own a boat, it is always wise to do what you can to protect your investments. Zincs are incredibly important, and making sure that your vital areas are protected properly is always a good idea. Make sure that you change your zinc anodes when necessary, as corrosion can still occur when the anodes finally lose their metal to the ocean. It generally takes some time to occur, but it is often a good idea to make sure that you check on your anodes when you do any kind of basic boat maintenance or before you take it out on the water for an extended period of time.