Painting Aluminium sterndrive props

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madabouttheboat

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Just taken the props off for the winter and the original paint is coming of in large chunks. Where the metal is bare it is starting to go a bit powdery. So I am thinking of removing the last of the original paint, cleaning up the bare metal and painting them, but what with?

Any recommnedations for a long lasting finish.

Thanks
 
If the props are corroding, then this might imply an anode issue?

I have had my props repaired by Steel Developments. They come back nicely painted, but much of this erodes due to the thrashing process of the props, and I don't think this is a real problem. I would expect to repair props every 3 or 4 seasons, as they do get dinged in their use.

Some threads on here have discussed prop anti fouling, and one of these might be along in a bit.
 
Props are not fully protected by the anodes on Volvo Duo Props and the paint is the first line of defence.

Will be interested to follow this one as I used Hammerite special metal primer, (aledgedly perfect for Aluminium and Hammerite smooth black spray on mine.

Red Primer lasted longer than the Black as I had red props after a couple of months and now after 9 months I am virtually bare again.

One of my props was sent back to Steel Developments so I have a comparison but although that stayed Black longer it is now half silver again.
 
I've tried all sorts.
Etch primer, two-pack expoy paints, hammerite red, etc. etc.

The hammerite red stayed on for a bit, and I had red props for a couple of months, but nothing seems to last a season if I use them at high speed.
 
Hi
It has to be etch prime, leech prime (2 part epoxy primer) then 2 part epoxy paint. That should last most people for a season. That is what I do and apart from maybe a dink on the leading edges that is all I tends to happen. On my current set of duo props, now 9 years old and surviving Poole harbour. My average hours per year is around the 150 mark.
 
Peanuts said:
Hi
It has to be etch prime, leech prime (2 part epoxy primer) then 2 part epoxy paint. That should last most people for a season. That is what I do and apart from maybe a dink on the leading edges that is all I tends to happen. On my current set of duo props, now 9 years old and surviving Poole harbour. My average hours per year is around the 150 mark.
Click to expand...

Peanuts
Which brands did you use? and what on earth is a leech prime?
 
Hi Richard

How is the boating down at Sarfampton?

Regarding your question, leech primer is the name they use in our paintshop for the 2 part primer, maybe that was what it was called in the past.

I cannot remember the name of the paint I use, I have to look in the workshop tomorrow for you and I will get back to you if that is OK.
 
No probs - shan't take the boat out until next March. No bridge to worry about now we are in the Solent! But it is a long way down the river to get to the sea and unlike Poole, there is a speed limit here
 
"shan't take the boat out until next March"

WHAT!

I know you live up norf but what on earth are you doing until March - hibernating?
 
Peanuts said:
"shan't take the boat out until next March"

WHAT!

I know you live up norf but what on earth are you doing until March - hibernating?
Click to expand...
What I meant to say was I shan't take the boat out of the water until March:o
Still looking forward to some calm days in Nov/Dec
 
Thank goodness for that, I thought for a moment you had become a fair weather boatie person!!

Now get back to the hoovering, after all it is friday morning.
 
Hammerite red stuff is the only primer I can get to stick. Tried that expensive International 2 part etch primer and didn't last as long. I've come to the conclusion the paint will come off anyway. All I want to do now is stop the ally from getting eaten and hammerite red seems to do that.
Local prop re-builder just puts a spray coat of usual car black top coat on. Says they need to 'breathe' whatever that means......
Too much paint and you'll slow it by half a knot he says.....
 
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