Broken Anode fin?

[lcmains1]

I love this board, I am a new boat owner, halfway on my way to being a "shade tree" mechanic! I can fix quite a bit justneed some help along the way.

My newest question, I have a alpha one out drive, the fin above the prop is broken off, I think it is called the "anode fin"? Just the fin part is broken off, the plate is still there. It just looks rough.

Is this something that is critical to have on there or can I get by without it? Also, I can not see how it comes off, I know there is a bolt that holds it on through the top but it is sealed up in the drive. Does the drive have to come apart to replace this?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.iboats.com/18-6241-Anode...8535269--**********.164072996--view_id.172166

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Don,

That is exactly what is broken, It is busted off about 3/4 of the way from the bottom. It is jagged.

Thanks for the help

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Right above it you will see a hole in the outdrive - you access the bolt head with an allen wrench to replace it. The bolt will stay in place while you simply replace the anode.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

It serves two functions....the 2nd function is that it's also a trim tab. With it broken off, the steering wheel may pull one way or the other at speed. When adjusted properly it takes that pull out of the steering wheel caused by the prop rotation. I'd replace it....mark the orientation of the current fin so when you put the new one on it's close to the same, then adjust if needed.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Thanks, Although I'm pretty sure that there is no hole above it to get to the head of the bolt. I will double check tonight but I looked for one and did not see one.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

It's there.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Although I'm pretty sure that there is no hole above it to get to the head of the bolt.

Ayuh,... Believe me, There Is....

If ya have power steering, you don't need the fin, just a flat anode will do..

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

REPLACING TRIM TAB
! CAUTION
DO NOT paint new trim tab, as this will render it
ineffective as a galvanic corrosion inhibitor.
1. Mark position of trim tab fin in relation to gear
housing so that new trim tab can be installed in
same relative position. If power package is
equipped with Power Steering, trim tab is positioned
with fin straight back.
2. Remove plug from drive shaft housing to gain access
to trim tab attaching screw (not shown in
photo).
3. Use a 3/8 in. alIen wrench and unthread trim tab
attaching screw from trim tab - DO NOT attempt
to remove trim tab attaching screw.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Ayuh,... Believe me, There Is....

If ya have power steering, you don't need the fin, just a flat anode will do..

Very true, but I still use the anode with the fin, as there's just that much more material for galvanic protection. By season's end, the fin portion is almost completely corroded off.

 

[ttexastim]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

So what is the anode for besides the trim? I recently got my outboard mercruiser drive back and it didn't have an anode anymore. The mechanic said that the anode on the new lower unit was hitting the prop, so they removed it. Do I need it on? I'm also new to the boat world and would love to know if I need to get me an anode!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Tex - they are for corrosion (galvanic) protection. Yes, you need one. See Don's post above. If it is hitting the prop, you can either buy a different style, or take a grinder to the one you have. So far as where to buy them - you can get them anywhere you can find boat parts. Heck, in our area, even Wal Mart sells them.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Thanks, Although I'm pretty sure that there is no hole above it to get to the head of the bolt.

It is there - it may be covered with a plastic plug.

 

[ttexastim]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Tex - they are for corrosion (galvanic) protection. Yes, you need one. See Don's post above. If it is hitting the prop, you can either buy a different style, or take a grinder to the one you have. So far as where to buy them - you can get them anywhere you can find boat parts. Heck, in our area, even Wal Mart sells them.

Thanks so much. I think I do recall the boat guy saying something about the boat not being in salt water as no need for one. Does a boat not used in salt water run the corrosion risk the same? Maybe I can google that and find an answer. I'll see about putting one on though, because I do like my stuff to be complete. Thanks Fisher!

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

You can read the westmarine article. And, I'm sure there's tons more info on anodes.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...logId=10001&page=Galvanic-Corrison-Protection

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

ttexastim
Please start a thread of your own if you have questions on anodes, and not hijack lcmains1 thread with your questions.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Thanks everyone, You were all correct, the hole is there for the bolt. It was covered with a plug... Thanks Don S. for the pictures, they were helpful! I got it ordered this morning! Thanks again!

 

[the vision]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

You don't need one. A friend of mine is a commercial fisherman in south Louisiana. He advised me to cut mine off flush. I did and my boat steers so much better.

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

You don't need one. A friend of mine is a commercial fisherman in south Louisiana. He advised me to cut mine off flush. I did and my boat steers so much better.

That could very well be in your case, if your tab was mis-adjusted, and you have power steering, but that will not be the case in all instances.

 

[the vision]

Re: Broken Anode fin?

Don S. I don't have power steering.