I was in the process of reassembling my transom assy so I can install it this weekend, & noticed that the electrode on the trim hose manifold on the bottom of the transom, has a severely corroded wire (orange). I pulled back all the way to where the connection is made, it's bad all the way. My question is....Can I just run without this, or will I need to replace it? The boat is a trailer boat, & is only in the water when I'm running it. I suppose I don't really know the true function of the Mercathode, so a bit of insight on this would be very helpful.

I have read where it really only comes in to play when the boat is at rest and there other vessels or objects in the water than can cause galvanic corrosion .... ie moored at a Marina ect ... Its a pretty simple hookup ...Maybe at least replace the leads to the Transom Assembly and you can ad the controler when you get to it ....m

http://www.mercstuff.com/mercathodekit.htm

Thanks for the help

I was told by a Merc. mechanic it takes up to 6-8 hrs. in still/calm water for the mercathode to be able to offer any protection. Probably most important for boats that stay in a protected well all the time.

The answer to your question is:

Yes you can remove it and lose it.