What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

[6MISFITZ]

Sorry to repost this but I cannot find my original post.<br /><br />What is the best paint to buy and use on an outdrive?<br /><br />My boat has a 1987 Omc 3.0L I/O and it is NOT used in salt water.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mike.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Mike, I am upstream of you (longpoint) local marina here suggests mercruiser outdrive paint ( I run a mercruiser) nothing else I have tried lasts and even the local prop guys black paint comes off the prop. I would check with the guys at Nicholls marine, they have to have an idea, they service a lot of outdrives. Good Luck.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Thanks davewaves.<br /><br />Might see you on the water next year!

 

[DJ]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Mike,<br /><br />You can use any good quality topcaot. The key is preperation.<br /><br />1. Sand all areas.<br /><br />2. Wash with 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.<br /><br />3. Prime with zinc chromate paint.<br /><br />4. Apply topcoat.

 

[Boatist]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Mike<br />I do not like to sand very much. Just enough to get old paint off. I like to make sure I have all the oil off by washing with alochol. They sell special acid to etch aluminum before painting but as Djohns said vinegar will work. Zinc Chromate primer is also correct. For the top coat I would suggest a paint made for aluminum. Many paint have copper in them and this can cause problems for Aluminum. West Marine catalog has some good paint suggestions.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

What are your views on sandblasting the old paint off?<br /><br />I also have some paint flaking off of the Gimbal Ring (pivot plate) and a little corrosion transom plate. This is the main reason for the sandblasting. Also what about POR15 as a top coat Djohons?<br /><br />Do these ideas float or am I sucking canal water?<br /><br />I want to do a good job but I need to borrow some experience. Thanks for the replies, <br /><br />Mike.

 

[DJ]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Mike,<br /><br />I do not have a problem with sandblasting. Just make sure you keep the sand out of critical areas like water pick-ups, etc. Also keep it away from the trim rams.<br /><br />I'm not familiar with that particular topcoat. Boatist made an excellent point, STAY AWAY from paints with a copper base or additives.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: What is the best Paint for my Outdrive?

Thanks Admiral. <br /><br />I have removed the outdrive from the back of the boat already for winterizing. I will mask off all the critical areas on both the outdrive and then on the transom plate so that no sand or metal flakes get into the gimbal bearing, water intake and exhaust areas. However, I will be installing a new gimbal bearing in the spring after I am done painting the transom / gimbal plate.<br /><br />I was told by a technition to consider SODA-BLASTING instead of sandblasting. Apparently blasting with baking soda is better. Had never hear of this until today. Any thoughts or hints on this from anyone?<br /><br />Mike.