Trim tab anodes

Boating Basics
1

I’ve seen advice on this that goes both ways after some research. The thread on trailer anodes had me thinking about this again.

My skiff isn’t stored at the coast and not stored in the water. Some research says don’t worry about it.

But I do have some corrosion on my trim tab bolts (which I can easily replace), and hinges. It could just be oxidation on the hinges - I am going to clean them up this week.

So what is the advice for anodes on the tab plates?

Bennet makes tabs with specific mounting holes for anodes.

Lenco sells round anodes that drill through and sit on top of the tab.

Thoughts? It seems like a “why not?” situation since they are inexpensive and easy to install.

Here is a source I found for a good price. The R1 is the common size for skiff tabs I believe.

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2

They definitely can’t hurt. Anywhere on the trim tab should be sufficient and you know to use 316SS hardware and space the anode with at least a thick washer or two standard washers so the anode material does not compromise the finish on the trim tab. Pretty much how any anode on any material should be mounted if possible.

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waste of time for a boat stored on a trailer

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4

Here’s a tip I was taught years and years ago…. pretty simple… More than a bit of the “stainless” steel fasteners we have available - aren’t exactly stainless at all and you see them begin to rust or corrode fairly quickly once they’re on a boat used in salt or brackish conditions. The next time you head to the hardware store to buy fasteners - bring a small magnet with you. Reject any fasteners that the magnet reacts to (that have some iron or steel content). True stainless won’t be attracted to a magnet at all….

I use a cheap magnetic stud finder for checking stainless when I remember to bring it with me…. By the way, one of the real differences between Lenco and Bennett tabs - are the welds you see on Lenco tabs (they’re a weakness over time…). My old Bennetts don’t have a single weld on any tab at all….

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5

I put some on my Lenco’s and I believe they have been part of my decrease in corrosion. Mine is in the garage and always rinsed but I did it anyway. “pancake” zinc on top of the tab.

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6

They can’t hurt for sure!