B & S Anodes

About B&S Marine Anodes

When it comes to protecting a boat from the relentless threat of galvanic corrosion, few names carry more weight than B&S Marine Anodes. Rooted in nearly five decades of hands-on manufacturing experience, B&S traces its origins to Bossler & Sweezey — a Long Island, NY marine hardware company whose founders began hand-pouring zinc anodes back in the 1960s during the slow winter months between propeller jobs. In 2005, that tradition was formalized when the company's president established B&S Marine Anodes as a dedicated manufacturing entity focused entirely on producing the highest-quality sacrificial anodes available.

Made in the USA, Built to Military Spec

What sets B&S apart from most competitors is a commitment to craftsmanship that begins with the raw material. Their zinc anodes are formulated from a zinc alloy that meets Military Specification MIL-A-18001K — and the company backs that claim with independent lab reports. But meeting the spec on paper is only part of the story. B&S goes further by hand-pouring every anode they make, a process that results in higher porosity compared to die-cast alternatives. That increased porosity means greater surface area is exposed to the surrounding water, allowing the anode to corrode more evenly and efficiently — exactly how a sacrificial anode is supposed to work.

This approach to manufacturing has made B&S a trusted name among saltwater and brackish-water boaters throughout the tri-state area and beyond, protecting everything from propeller shafts and rudders to outdrives and hull plates on both pleasure craft and commercial vessels.

Understanding Sacrificial Anodes

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected in a conductive liquid like seawater. A current flows between them, and the less "noble" metal corrodes. By purposely attaching a sacrificial anode — a metal even less noble than the boat's critical components — boaters redirect that corrosion to an inexpensive, replaceable piece rather than allowing it to attack propellers, shafts, or outdrives. Zinc has long been the go-to material for saltwater applications, while aluminum anodes suit both salt and brackish water, and magnesium anodes are preferred for freshwater use.

Anode Kits for Complete Protection

For boaters who want a straightforward, all-in-one solution, B&S offers comprehensive anode kits designed to cover all the critical corrosion points on popular engine and outdrive configurations. These kits — which include complete attaching hardware and directions — eliminate the guesswork of sourcing individual pieces and ensure every vulnerable component gets proper protection in a single purchase. B&S kits are specifically engineered for popular platforms like Mercury and MerCruiser outdrives, making them a practical choice for a wide range of recreational boaters.

A Legacy of Quality

B&S Marine Anodes continues to monitor evolving boating industry needs, regularly reviewing new applications and expanding their product line to serve both new and legacy vessel types. Their dedication to hand-poured, USA-made anodes — rather than imported, die-cast alternatives — reflects a philosophy that has driven the brand since those early days on Long Island: when you make a quality product, no gimmicks are needed.