Rust, generally how to clean and best spray to keep it from rusting?

[SpearTub]

My trailer (and outboard) are suffering some rust issues.

The trailer has issues with the winch, things are fused and the winch line is just rust coloured now.

If I can get things working, Im considering should I just clean the pinion area with the gear lube it up with fresh marine grease and replace with fresh winch line. Or just junk it all and replace with a new enclosed Trojan system for about ~$40USD? (line and hook included).

 

[alldodge]

Depends if you like taking things apart and cleaning. Some of the wenches are pressed together so taking apart will be a choir. Buying another depends on what you think

 

[airshot]

40 bucks for a new winch sounds way to cheap...probably Chinesium junk.

 

[JimS123]

In 1986 I bought a second hand boat and trailer. The trailer was a Gator, and it had more rust than paint. I wire bushed the trailer and then coated it with brushed Rust Reformer, followed by a brushed coat of Fish Oil Primer, followed by a rolled coat of Gloss topcoat. All Rustoleum products.

When I sold the trailer in 2009, after 23 years of outdoor storage, it showed no signs of rust-thru.

Initially, since I wanted a long lasting outfit, I threw the winch and coupler away and bought brand new. They both lasted the same time as well.

 

[Chris1956]

The easy way to fix rust is to wire brush off the loose stuff and prime with Rusty Metal Primer.

The better way is to wire brush and then sand off the rust. Prime and topcoat.

As for the winch....if not too far gone, do as above.....otherwise replace it.

 

[bruceb58]

Some of the wenches are pressed together so taking apart will be a choir.

Get rid of the wench unless she likes to sing in the choir!

Sorry...couldn't resist!

 

[JimS123]

The easy way to fix rust is to wire brush off the loose stuff and prime with Rusty Metal Primer.

The better way is to wire brush and then sand off the rust. Prime and topcoat.

As for the winch....if not too far gone, do as above.....otherwise replace it.

If the rust has been there for any length of time the metal will be pitted. Sanding is a preferred method, but it may not completely remove the pits.

Rust Reformer is a fantastic product. It provides a chemical reaction that turns iron oxide black, and turns it into an inert compound.

 

[Grub54891]

Don't go cheap on the winch. I did. Dang thing bent cranking the boat up and stripped the gear.

 

[airshot]

Don't go cheap on the winch. I did. Dang thing bent cranking the boat up and stripped the gear.

Correct, my winch is a two speed, rated for 2500#, boat weighs less than half that, but the winch us so easy to operate and will last forever !

 

[SpearTub]

Don't go cheap on the winch. I did. Dang thing bent cranking the boat up and stripped the gear.

Hi all, thanks for the replies.
The current two speed winch works pretty good, its just unsightly. The pinions are just rusty which has discoloured the dacron cord. Its about 1500lb just estimating, boat is half that. No knicks or abrasion in the dacron cable.

So I was going to take the cable off, spray the pinions with some kind of anti rust, any suggestions? also coulld i put the cable in a bucket with some kind of anti rust or will this harm its structural integrity.

Then Im just going to use a well known Marine grease here.

It had work done on it last season but hasnt been used since, so the wheel bearings etc should all be ok.

Somebody else had wire brushed some of the rear supports and has sprayed with some kind of primer, it passed its road worthy certificate, so hopefully nothing much has changed there.

Is all anti rust the same or are some for different applications, ie anti rust for rusty trailer supports/beams vs a small bit of rust on a bolt under the coweling vs anti rust for the pinions?

Its a good brand, it just needs some anti rust aesthetics in different places.

 

[Chris1956]

Is the winch is galvanized? If so, use some "Cold galvanizing" spray paint.

 

[SpearTub]

Is the winch is galvanized? If so, use some "Cold galvanizing" spray paint.

yeh, its all Gal, but not the pinions, they are steel I think. the winch frame has no rust, just the internals. its like it needs a rust conversion lubrication type spray. I could take it apart and put everything rusty in a bucket and bath the parts in anti rust?

 

[SHickey]

Mod edit: start your own thread

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Probably be best if you started your own topic, or don't double post. Be patient.

 

[SpearTub]

Is it possible to just wire brush flakey non structural rust and is there a Galvanise paint I can use to help prevent the rust? also it needs a warrant of fitness, a bit nervous, but havnt used it since last years warrant.

any links to instructional videos would be good.

 

[daria01]

Best way to clean rust is using a wire brush or sandpaper.If possible, sandblasting is faster After cleaning, apply an anti-rust spray like Rustoleum, then cover with rust-resistant paint, This will give long-term protection.
Remember, painting without proper rust treatment might only work short-term.

 

[SpearTub]

Best way to clean rust is using a wire brush or sandpaper.If possible, sandblasting is faster After cleaning, apply an anti-rust spray like Rustoleum, then cover with rust-resistant paint, This will give long-term protection.
Remember, painting without proper rust treatment might only work short-term.

Cheers for that. I see a lot of people use galvanised paint. I presume all the steel is galvanized originally so it makes sense to use Galvanise paint?

 

[Chris1956]

Only use "cold galvanize" paint if the area to be painted is galvanized steel. if it is painted steel, the rust is best removed, the area primed with a good rust resistant primer and a top coat of paint applied.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Por 15 or rust bullet works great and lasts.

 

[Chris1956]

I like the Rustolium rusty metal primer or the Rustolium clean metal primer. These need to be covered with a topcoat of paint, as they are rather soft.