Mercury – MerCathode Kit | Corrosion Protection System | Composite Housing | 8M0180081

Overview

Anyone who keeps their boat in the water knows the quiet worry that comes with galvanic corrosion. You do everything right—rinse the hull, trim the motor, keep up with service—but salt and stray currents can take their toll. The Quicksilver 8M0180081 MerCathode Kit offers something boaters rarely get: peace of mind that doesn’t fade overnight. It actively protects your engine and drive while you sleep, while the boat sits at the dock, and while you’re miles offshore chasing another perfect day.

Key Features

• Active corrosion-protection system powered by your boat’s 12-volt battery
• Includes MerCathode module, power harness, anode assembly, 5-amp fuse harness and cable assembly
• Designed for high-horsepower outboard applications
• Helps prevent galvanic corrosion in harsh marine environments
• Engineered housing and components built for long-term durability
• Works in tandem with premium Quicksilver anodes for optimal protection

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Compatible with all high-horsepower Mercury outboards
• Fits Mercury 7.6L V12 600hp Verado and 500hp SeaPro outboards
• Ideal for offshore center consoles, heavy bay boats, pilothouse boats, cruisers and performance hulls
• Recommended for boats stored in the water for extended periods
• Works effectively with stainless propeller setups and boats with multiple under-water metal components

Performance & Practical Benefits

The MerCathode system isn’t passive protection—it actively fights corrosion around the clock. Once installed, it sends a steady protective current that keeps metal surfaces safer, cleaner and more stable. If you’ve ever spotted early pitting on a gearcase or found a worn anode sooner than expected, you’ll appreciate how this system brings a noticeable sense of security.

On the water, you’ll feel the difference in a subtle way: smoother operation, reliable trim performance, and components that age the way they should—not ahead of schedule. The wiring harnesses fit tightly, the mounting hardware installs cleanly, and the entire module stays steady even when the water gets rough. Over time, the result is less corrosion, fewer costly surprises, and an engine that stays as strong as the day you brought it home.

Why Buy OEM

Corrosion protection is not something to gamble on. Aftermarket systems often lack the power regulation, calibration, and long-term testing Mercury Marine builds into every MerCathode unit. With this OEM kit, you’re getting a product engineered specifically for Mercury outboards—including the big-horsepower platforms that demand the highest level of protection.

It’s cost-effective in the truest sense: avoiding premature failures, protecting expensive components, and reducing maintenance headaches. When fellow boaters ask what to use on a boat that lives in the water, the advice is simple—stick with the Mercury Marine part designed to safeguard the engine you trust.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does the MerCathode Kit fit?

It’s designed for high-horsepower Mercury outboards, including V12 600hp Verado and 500hp SeaPro models, along with other large Mercury platforms.

Q2: What makes this different from a standard anode?

Anodes offer passive protection, while the MerCathode system actively emits a stabilizing current for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Q3: How do I know if this is the right system for my boat?

If your boat stays in the water or you run stainless hardware, this is the recommended Mercury solution. Always verify with your owner’s manual.

Q4: Can it be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Yes—it's engineered for harsh marine conditions in all types of water.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Most boat owners with basic electrical knowledge can install it, though many prefer a dealer for final calibration and mounting.