Painting sterndrives

[Brent]

I recently bought a boat with twin Mercruiser sterndrives. She’s out of the water for the winter and there is a need to repair some areas of mild corrosion. Can someone please tell me the best method of repair and what paint will be best for the top coat.

Thanks to all who reply.


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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Brent,

and welcome aboard with this your first post.

Spot blasting will remove corrosion fast, any minor hollows can be filled with a mixture of epoxy resin and closed cell micro-balloons, easy to sand to a smooth finish. Then you have 'etch prime' any remaining exposed aluminium prior to re-painting.

A 2 pot epoxy polyurethane will provide a good long lasting high gloss finish.

I hope this helps.





<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.

 

[oldgit]

further to above do not abrade down to bare aluminium as loads of work to reprepare surface with etching and priming etc.also do not use wire brush with steel bristles.Best I found was Blakes primer and then antifoul.However price of small tin 1 x per leg was eyewateringly expensive.if you want to go all knowledgable about legs and the painting/maintaince of same go to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://wwwyachtsurvey.com>http://wwwyachtsurvey.com</A>.and have a rummage....go see the site rubbish legs in general and Mercruisers in particular./forums/images/icons/laugh.gif.

<hr width=100% size=1>If it aint broke fix it till it is.

 

[tr7v8]

I did this earlier in the year as mine had magnesuim anodes and various areas were back to bare alloy. I sanded with a power sander and finished with hand sanding, I the etch primed with International 2 pack, read the instructions about application and over coating time. I then used 2 coats of International Primocon, each sanded back gently and then used Blakes Waterline which comes in outdrive colours, in my case Volvo Grey.I might add it now has proper zinc anodes!!!!
Total cost of paints etc. was around £ 60 which is a damn sight cheaper han some of the solutions I was offered.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500

 

[Brent]

G'day Sport

Thanks for taking the time to answer my posting the info is just the job.

Cheers

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[PeterGibbs]

Before applying any coatings I suggest you make sure of the source of the corrosion, and eliminate any problems with the anodes (?you have them and in good condition) and the attendant circuitry.

Stern gear does not benefit from anti fouling - most A/F 's are contra indicated for applying to metals - see the small print!

Bronze props should not be painted - perhaps vaselined after polishing.
Aluminium props benefit from protective treatment - International make a system.
Shafts also should not be painted.
P and A brackets may be treated.

If the areas of mild corrosion appear to compromise strength, take advice - the consequences of mechancial failure are clearly significant!

PWG

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