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How do Anode Kits Work and Why Choose One?

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usazincs
How do Anode Kits Work and Why Choose One?

An anode kit is used to separate two dissimilar metals that are in close proximity electrically. It consists of a zinc or magnesium alloy rod with a lead wire attached that runs into the water. 

These alloys have excellent corrosion resistance properties and will provide many years of additional service life to your boat's metal hardware. When you buy Volvo anode kits, they will work well as a sacrificial anode for steel, aluminum, and other metals that might otherwise corrode more quickly.

Where Are They Used?

Anode kits are commonly used on boats with galvanized or aluminum components. If you have stainless steel screws or fittings holding down zincs, it is essential to have an anode kit in place. 

If you do not, then the zincs will be used for electrolysis when dissimilar metals are used to conduct electricity and cause corrosion. Your boat must have at least one complete cathodic protection system, which is what you'll get with a complete anode kit.

What Can You Do if Your Boat is Already Built?

If you have already built your boat and there are galvanized or aluminum components involved, then you might want to consider having the zincs replaced now before it becomes too late. This way, you won't end up spending more money on repairs in the future.

How Do You Choose the Right Anode Kit?

Not all anode kits are created equal, but choosing one is fairly simple. Camp anodes are used for cored hulls, steel boats, aluminum pontoons, and any other place you need to protect from corrosion. 

Calder anodes are made of magnesium alloy used in freshwater only. They also come with a hydroxide shell that has 25% more mass than the lead wire on standard anode kits.

Alloy Rod Material

If you want to make sure that your anode kit lasts for a long time before having to replace it, then you might want to consider stainless steel alloy rods. They are slow to corrode but more expensive than zinc or aluminum alloy.

Are there any aluminum disks included? If so, you'll have a much more complete protection system since aluminum is electrically active and helps with the flow of current through your boat's hull. Without them, corrosion can occur in unprotected areas around the fittings.

The Number of Alloy Rods

The number of alloy rods is important because it directly relates to the size of your boat. A three-rod kit will be sufficient for boats up to 40 feet. Four rods are good for boats between 40 and 80 feet, and five rods are ideal for larger vessels over 80 feet. The more alloy rods there are, the more cathodic protection you will have. However, more rods also means a higher price.

Consider Having Aluminum Disks Inclusion

Having aluminum disks included with your anode kit is a plus because they provide extra protection to the aluminum components on your boat. If you have galvanized fittings holding down zincs, then it's ideal to have a complete cathodic protection system. If you don't, the galvanized screws will cause electrolysis, which corrodes metals.

Other Things to Consider

You may want to consider some other things to buy Volvo anode kits. For one, you might want to have it pre-built so that there's no work involved once you receive it. Also, if the boat is already built and has galvanized or aluminum components, consider having zincs replaced now before it becomes too late.

Hanging Zinc Anodes

Please note that if you buy a kit, it probably does not come with hanging zinc anodes. It's best to replace those as well for better protection. You can also consider adding sacrificial aluminum blocks or disks for added protection on aluminum-component boats.

It's a good idea to have zincs replaced every year, but you can go as long as three years before replacing them. The anode kit will last longer than that, so it is not necessary to replace the kit that often unless the anodes are worn down.

Protection for Galvanized Fittings

If your boat has galvanized fittings holding down zinc, then it's essential to have an anode kit with aluminum disks in place. The anode kit will electrically separate the dissimilar metals and prevent rusting. Galvanized fittings can corrode and cause electrolysis.

In Conclusion

An anode kit is a crucial part of any boat's metal hardware. It will protect metals from rusting and save you money on costly repairs in the future. If you have already built your boat and galvanized or aluminum components are involved, then it would be wise to have the zincs replaced immediately. 

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