mercathode and anodes

[mark123456]

I have a 2006 bayliner 205 with alpha 1 gen 2, after reading through the manual it says something about most current mercruisers have the mercathode system factory installed, I don't think mine does, where is it, I assume there should be a 110volt plug somewhere. The boat came from 100% fresh water area and I am using it in a 100% salt water area, should I consider adding the system, I leave it in the water all summer. Also would the anodes be aluminum or magnesium because it came from a freshwater area, I removed some and they feel pretty light, can you buy zinc anodes for these drives? Last summer It was moored in salt water for 2 months and the anodes show very little corrosion compared to outboards I have had with zinc anodes. Does the mercathode system protect any of the internals of the engine/manifolds as well?

 

[alldodge]

I have a 2006 bayliner 205 with alpha 1 gen 2, after reading through the manual it says something about most current mercruisers have the mercathode system factory installed, I don't think mine does, where is it, I assume there should be a 110volt plug somewhere. The boat came from 100% fresh water area and I am using it in a 100% salt water area, should I consider adding the system, I leave it in the water all summer. Also would the anodes be aluminum or magnesium because it came from a freshwater area, I removed some and they feel pretty light, can you buy zinc anodes for these drives? Last summer It was moored in salt water for 2 months and the anodes show very little corrosion compared to outboards I have had with zinc anodes. Does the mercathode system protect any of the internals of the engine/manifolds as well?

The anode is item 32 in the link below if installed, and is installed on the bottom of the transom housing, over item 28
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...66.png&inbr=2686&bnbr=80&bdesc=GIMBAL+HOUSING

The mercathode is item 5 and if installed is on the engine somewhere and is blue in color
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...nbr=2686&bnbr=260&bdesc=MERCATHODE+COMPONENTS

Salt water anodes for a fiberglass hull with an out drive should be Aluminum

 

[mark123456]

I don't have the mercathode system then, is it a good idea to install the system? I currently have an aluminum prop, if I switch to stainless would there be more of a reason to add the system? Are the other anodes still needed? If the boat is not used for a week or 2 would it drain the battery, is shore power/ battery charger required?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Why would you think you need a stainless steel prop? All they do is cause more damage if you hit something
I don't care what the EPA wants. salt water uses zinc.period

 

[alldodge]

I don't have the mercathode system then, is it a good idea to install the system? I currently have an aluminum prop, if I switch to stainless would there be more of a reason to add the system? Are the other anodes still needed? If the boat is not used for a week or 2 would it drain the battery, is shore power/ battery charger required?

If you keep a boat in the water you need a Mercathode to protect your drive. Adding more stainless to the drive increases the need for a Mercathode. While the system does not use much power it will drain the battery, how long depends on how hard it has to work to keep your drive protected. Yes you need a battery charger, a small 3 stage 10amp should work fine IMO

Stainless props are better IMO, but if you hit something it may brake the drive, if it is aluminum prop it has a better chance to where it may only damage the prop. If you have the right insurance most all will be covered in either case. Ot just don't hit anything

 

[JoLin]

IMO the chances of breaking a drive with an SS prop are pretty slim these days. From what I see very few props have a solid hub anymore- the hub will let go before any drive damage is done. Net effect on the wallet should be pretty much the same as bending/breaking an aluminum prop.

My .02