Anode Replacement?

rinker312

All, I spend all my time in fresh water and use magnesium anodes.  Last few years I have replaced them every year prior to going back in the water.  The old anodes are pitted, but are for the most part the same size they were when I put them on.  do you think I need to replace them every year like I have been or can I maybe get two years out of them?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks.

TikiHut2

From the archives:

Choosing anodes LINK

I don't bother unless they're less than about 60% of their original size. That said, it's not a bad idea to annually clean and re-seat them where they contact the boat. If a layer of debris/dust forms under them it can render them ineffective due to the lack of a good contact. A cracked or damaged anode needs to go.

Good luck, Mike

I have spent some time in your area and have relatives scattered around Jasper/Decatur/Birmingham/Huntsville/S Pittsburg tenn and have also spent some time out on the Tennessee river. It's a beautiful area. Where do you spend your time boating? Noticed your pictured on a trailer. That's a lotta boat on wheels.

LaRea

I'd recommend replacing them every year with magnesium.  Even if they looked okay last fall, you never know when conditions in your slip might change mid-season (e.g. a current leak).  If you start the season with partially depleted anodes, you'd run out of protection that much sooner.  New anodes are cheap insurance.

Cableguy Greg

I replace my magnesium anodes every year. I feel that it is cheap insurance.

Robyw1

If your boat spends all of its time in the water I would change them every year. If it is a trailer boat I would think you could skip a year.

Capt Ron

I get usually a couple of years out of mine no problem. The only time I didn't was due to a Searay plrked next to me that must of had a leaky ground which wore out my anodes after one season.

rinker312

I am in the water from mid April to May through October then I pull her home so that I can work on her in the driveway trailer was the best thing I ever bought. I think I will try to reuse them this year. I often go under and check them out so if they seem to be fading fast I can always change them mid season. Tiki, I am on lake wheeler near rogersville Alabama. It is nice there and even on holidays it is like having the whole lake to yourself not a lot of traffic. Thanks to you all for your thoughts.

Cableguy Greg

I would replace. There is a company, boatzincs dot com that sells them at a decent price. I get them from them every year. For 60 to 90 bucks a year, it is cheaper than a new drive...