Painting Outdrives (fresh water)

[rybad]

I am repainting my outdrives (Cobras). I have sanded down to mostly bare metal. I bought Zinc Chromate primer (recommened by shop). Any recommendations on this site as to primer or paint to use. The boat store likes to charge $16 a can... wondering if there is anything "special" about this paint, other than an OEM color match.

Has anyone used this primer?

 

[stevieray]

Re: Painting Outdrives (fresh water)

Are you going to keep her in the water or trailer? If youre keeping it in, I would suggest an anti-foulant paint to keep the growth down. Trailering, you're OK with the OEM paint (or any other hi-quality finish - Bond-o likes his Rustoleum). Always use zinc chromate primer on any bare aluminum.

There is a detailed factory procedure from Merc on here in a couple of places if you want to check that out - search "zinc chromate" & I'm sure it will pop up.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Painting Outdrives (fresh water)

'dis whatjou mean Stevie?

http://mercstuff.com/painting.htm

 

[stevieray]

Re: Painting Outdrives (fresh water)

'dis whatjou mean Stevie?

http://mercstuff.com/painting.htm

Boom - actually this is the one I had in mind:


http://northamerica.mercurymarine.c.../mercruiserfaqs/technicalinformation.php#1135

 

[rybad]

Re: Painting Outdrives (fresh water)

Thanks.. thats pretty much what I did. I already have the zinc-chromate primer.. I was pretty much just wondering if the OEM paint for Cobra drives was "recommended" - because they want $16 a can at the boat store. So, I guess "that" paint is not required, just a good aftermarket paint according to the article you posted.

Thanks.