Volvo Penta Anode Kit 3888817 | Zinc Saltwater SX-A DPS Transom Shield
No restocking fees on eligible returns
You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.
Customer pays return postage. Return postage is reimbursed if we made a mistake.
Volvo Penta Transom Shield Anode Kit — Part No. 3888817
| Part Number | 3888817 |
| Brand | Volvo Penta |
| Product Type | Sacrificial Anode Kit |
| Material | Zinc |
| Water Environment | Saltwater |
| Location | Transom shield |
| System | Sterndrive — Corrosion Protection |
| New Anode Weight | approx. 1.16 kg / 2.55 lb |
| Replace When Below | approx. 0.81 kg / 1.79 lb (approx. one-third consumed) |
| Mounting Torque | 20–28 Nm / 14.8–20.7 ft-lb |
This is the OEM zinc sacrificial anode kit for the transom-shield position on selected Volvo Penta SX-A, DPS-A, and DPS-B Aquamatic sterndrive systems. The anode protects the transom shield and surrounding underwater components from galvanic corrosion by sacrificing itself before more valuable metals are attacked. Zinc is the correct material for saltwater operation.
Compatible Applications
Confirmed transom-shield anode applications:
- SX-A
- DPS-A
- DPS-B
- Selected later FWD drive configurations
Anode Material & Water Type Notice
Anode material must match both the drive system and the water environment. For the same transom-shield position, Volvo Penta lists three material options:
- 3888817 — Zinc — Saltwater (this part)
- 23164611 — Aluminum — Brackish / mixed water
- 3888818 — Magnesium — Freshwater
Using the wrong anode material reduces corrosion protection. Zinc anodes used in freshwater become passivated and stop protecting effectively. Confirm your operating water type before ordering.
When to Replace
Inspect sacrificial anodes at every haul-out and replace before excessive material is lost. Replace 3888817 when:
- The anode has lost approximately one-third of its original material, or weight falls below approx. 0.81 kg / 1.79 lb
- The anode is heavily pitted or unevenly eroded
- It is cracked or physically damaged
- It has been painted or coated over (painted anodes do not protect)
- It is no longer making clean metal-to-metal contact with the mounting surface
Installation Notes
Remove the old anode and clean the mounting surface to ensure direct metal-to-metal contact between the new anode and the transom shield — this contact is essential for the anode to work. Secure with the correct mounting screws torqued to approximately 20–28 Nm / 14.8–20.7 ft-lb. Do not paint the anode or its contact surface.
Related Anodes (Same Transom-Shield Position, Different Water Types)
Parts Desk Insights
Best use: Order 3888817 when you need the zinc transom-shield anode for an SX-A, DPS-A, or DPS-B sterndrive operating in saltwater. This is the correct OEM choice for full saltwater corrosion protection at this transom-shield location.
Common customer issue: The part number is only half the decision — the water type matters just as much. Zinc anodes like 3888817 are designed for saltwater. If your boat operates primarily in freshwater, a zinc anode can actually reduce protection compared to the correct magnesium alternative (3888818). If you’re in brackish or mixed water, the aluminum option (23164611) is the better fit. Always confirm your water type before selecting an anode.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Supplier-stock items are usually ready for pickup or shipping within 24 hours of ordering.
Special-order timing may vary.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.