Zinc anodes

[cordale]

I'd like to attempt to replace my outdrive anodes this year myself.

I have SCI alpha 1 outdrives.

Can anyone recommend where to order from, and do I just search for a kit that contains all the pieces I need?

[Chris_in_Texas]

I have ordered a bunch from: www.boatzincs.com

Not sure if they have the SCI ones, but have been helpful.

[steve & dot]

Sorry if stating obvious, but maybe some others don't know-

Use:
Zinc for salt, magnesium for fresh, alum for brackish or multi-use.

[fatmattyd]

Have used boatzincs.com in the past (twice) and would recommend them.

Adding the usage statement is helpful - good info to know and can save you a *lot* of corrosion on your outdrive.

Also will add, most (all?) manufacturers seem to go with aluminum anodes as OEM fitment since aluminum can serve in both salt and fresh water. However, there are better choices if you're always going to be in one type of water.
I seemed to be getting a lot of corrosion on my volvo penta outdrive the first year or two of boating, and after switching to magnesium for the fresh water lake I'm at, I haven't noticed any additional corrosion, and I seem to go through anodes quicker (though not quickly). And there's not even any power at our marina.

[cordale]

I guess I didn't realize certain materials were better for fresh/salt water. Thanks for the info, I'll give them a shout.

[Chris_in_Texas]

Yes for sure. If you run magnesium in salt water for even a short amount of time it will cause severe corrosion very quickly and chew the paint right off.

[SGilbert]

Yes for sure. If you run magnesium in salt water for even a short amount of time it will cause severe corrosion very quickly and chew the paint right off.

Likewise, running zinc in fresh water will corrode your ODs severely within one summer.

[Chris_in_Texas]

Yes the zinc won't work at all in freshwater, as the aluminum outdrive will become the sacrificial anode. Something to keep in mind that if you do boat in salt water, keep in mind that once the boat comes out of the water a barrier coat will form over the zinc and cause it not to work until its burnished off prior to putting it back in the water. This is why manufactures normally use aluminum anodes (an alloy that is different from the outdrive) as they work in both fresh, salt and brackish as well.

If I had a trailer boat that went back and forth, I would use the Performance Metals Navalloy anodes. http://www.performancemetals.com/anodes ... ucts.shtml I haven't used them personally, but have heard good things about them.

If I was going to be in fresh water only I would and did use Magnesium from boat zincs. Just make sure that you never put a boat in with Mg into salt. Its just a few hours and you will start to loose the paint is all it takes.