Antifouled outdrives

[Nauti Fox]

Friend of ours has bought a Princess, I think its a 32 and the previous owner has kindly antifouled the outdrives (including anodes).
Anybody know the best way to remove it without damaging the alloy?
Thanks in advance.
Al.

 

[snowleopard]

I would remove the anodes and clean them with coarse sandpaper. Why would you want to remove the a/f from the rest of it?

 

[Nauti Fox]

He's getting new anodes, but believes the outdrives should'nt be antifouled.

 

[duncan]

Whilst you shouldn't use 'normal'copper based antifoul on an alloy drive, and should ensure it is isolated from the hull's coating with a barrier gap, there is nothing wrong, adn a lot right, with antifouling an outdrive when leaving a boat in the water.
I use Trilux (thickly!) and it certainly makes it easier to keep the drive clean through the season.

I don't believe there is any easy way to remove soley the antifoul.

 

[snowleopard]

That explains why so many outdrives I've seen around marinas look like the hanging gardens of Babylon. It's not that different from a saildrive and I wouldn't dream of leaving mine unprotected. A 350ml can of International MPX has lasted me 5 years and is still over 1/2 full.

Maybe someone once had corrosion as a result of using a copper antifoul and a myth has become established. Obviously any delicate bits like hydraulic shafts & seals mustn't be painted but the rest can only benefit.

 

[Nauti Fox]

Thanks guys, I'll pass the info on.