The best anode material is an aluminum anode,the service life of the aluminum anode is longer because it has the highest unit current capacity.

Another point to consider when choosing an anode is what type of water the boat will be used in. Generally, according to the salinity, it can be divided into salt water, brackish water, and pure fresh water.

Zinc anode in fresh water: In fresh water, zinc can form an isolation layer that causes the anode to stop working. Do not make the mistake of thinking that such zinc anodes can last a long time, when in fact they simply stop working - stop protecting and need you to replace them immediately.

Magnesium anode in brine or brackish water: Magnesium anode is very active and can be consumed very quickly in brine. One of the major disadvantages of magnesium alloy anodes is that they are prone to overprotection, which can cause hydrogen bubbles to form underneath the paint, causing the paint to be blown off.

Aluminum anode: the final winner!

We believe that the best anode material is an aluminum anode for several reasons:

1. Aluminum anode is more active than zinc anode;

2. Aluminum anodes are not as active as magnesium anodes in salt water or brackish water, so they can be used safely;

3. The service life of the aluminum anode is longer because it has the highest unit current capacity;

4. Aluminum anode is the only anode material that can be safely used in all types of water;

5. The aluminum anode is 60% lighter than the zinc anode, making it easier to transport;

6. As far as the environment is concerned, aluminum is a better alternative than zinc because it does not contain cadmium and has no damage to the environment.

When should the anode be replaced?

When the sacrificial anodes are consumed to half their original size, they are replaced. In general, the anode divergence current is related to the shape and surface area of the anode, and if the anode consumption is too large, the surface area and weight will change greatly, and the divergent current may not meet the requirements.

It should be noted that:

Do not mix different types of anodes. If different anode materials are installed, such as zinc and aluminum, the more active anode (aluminum) will spend part of the effort protecting the less active metal (zinc). A typical similar mistake is to add a zinc tail plate anode to a device equipped with an aluminum anode.