Anodes, sometimes erroneously referred to as Zincs as a catch-all are an often forgotten, yet important part of your vessel. What Are Anodes? As we have mentioned previously, saltwater is one of the harshest environments on Earth, anodes help protect your boat from its damaging effects, specifically, galvanic corrosion. Without getting too scientific, the crux of it all is this - your anodes are sacrificial pieces of metal, which because of their chemical composition, will break down in saltwate