The anodes are sacrificed in favour of the protected metals. They need to be cleaned and replaced regularly. Be careful, when they are worn beyond 60%, they no longer retain their protective capacity. For seawater, use either a zinc alloy or an aluminium alloy anode. For the same amperage, an aluminium anode weighs three times less than a zinc anode, has a higher electronegative potential and pollutes less. This is the solution that more and more engine manufacturers are turning to for original equipment. For use exclusively in freshwater, a magnesium anode is preferable.