cleaning outdrive

[mcvette]

Hi. I bought a '97 chapparal 1930 sport at the end of last summer. Had it checked out and winterized after taking it out a few times before the end of the season and it did great. It was a one owner and I received all the paperwork from the day the owner purchased it.

It has a 4.3LX Gen+ mercruiser

I have two questions. First I noticed the bottom of the outdrive skeg is chipped on the back. Nothing real big (smaller than a penny) but, I was wondering, should I take a file and try and round it off, square it off or just leave it. I can't tell that it makes any difference in operating the boat.

Second question concerns the outdrive. The owners lived on Lake Norman and kept the boat in the water all the time. Altough they had the bottom painted (which is in great shape) the outdrive looks like it has been in salt water. I replaced all the anodes, which were worn out but was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to clean the outdrive without taking it off. When I looked from underneath I can see dirt and mud. Just wondering if there is any kind of spray I could use for cleaning that wouldn't hurt the rubber/electrical parts.

Thanks for taking time to look.

Mickie

 

[AZSenza]

Re: cleaning outdeive

Re: cleaning outdeive

Use anything you would normally use on a painted surface. I even use CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) sparringly to remove hard water build up. As far as the chjip in the skeg, you can blend it out, prime and paint it. I had one on the lower aft corner, bout the size of a quarter, its squared off now.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: cleaning outdeive

Re: cleaning outdeive

Firstly...welcome to iboats!!!

As for the skeg...it's main purpose is to protect the prop, and from your description you have nothing to be worried about. If you ever wanted to 'spruce' it up, for aesthetic reasons, there are several skeg guards available. If I ever need one, it will be this one:

http://www.blackfinskeg.com/home/

As for cleaning the outdrive...it is designed for the harsh marine environment, and there isn't much that you can do to harm it! Just take a car washing brush, some car wash, and have at it. Just watch out for the tilt/trim wiring on either side (if you unit has them exposed). Take some pictures after you give it a 'bath', and let us see them. We can go from there....

 

[QC]

Re: cleaning outdeive

Re: cleaning outdeive

I have always cleaned up my skegs with a file and then some paint. I just like it that way. Can definitely have an impact on performance depending on how severe the damage is. My guess is that yours is not bad enough to expect any change though . . .

As far as cleaning is concerned, I guess I'd want to see pictures. I have done a lot of external water deposits cleaning, with Lime-Away which is pretty harsh stuff. But I rinse it quickly. I would try scrubbing the sensitive areas first with a brush and water to see what cleans up without any type of spray.

 

[JustJason]

Re: cleaning outdeive

Re: cleaning outdeive

pressure washer

 

[mcvette]

Re: cleaning outdrive

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try and post some pictures.