Painting the Outdrive - Maxum Boat Owners Club

CountryME · 03-20-2011, 03:52 PM

This year I plan on repainting my outdrive, as the previous owner had it in a saltwater slip. I was wondering if any members had done this and could pass along some lessons learned. There seems to be alot of differing opinions on other forums about zinc-chromate primer or not.

Thanks for the help.

-JP

seapuppy · 03-20-2011, 04:06 PM

JP...
Actually since your drive is aluminum casing...Zinc Chromate is the preferred method to keep the corrosion down or prevent it.......after that is the Mercury marine black paint.....

so..sand it down nice and smooth..fill any dings....and repair the chunks missing...then prime it with chromate primer..then paint....I've done this for the past 12 yrs on my damaged drives and never had a problem..

SP

Wild Bill · 05-09-2012, 01:02 AM

Hey Guys,

I am going to try and tackle this job in a few weeks. I am going to tape things off and shoot it in the driveway. It doesn't look like I will have to do much sanding.

Any helpful dos or don'ts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bill

Phillbo · 05-09-2012, 01:07 AM

I have not read this but i'm sure it's full of useful information..

http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=97217

Capt Al · 05-09-2012, 03:02 AM

There are different ways to prep your aluminum drives. You can use a good primer or you can etch the surface with alumaprep than alodine. If the surface is already good with no exposed metal you can get way with a light sand and going over the existing paint. It all depends on your drives condition. I used to use a spray can, it's easier and the drives look nicely painted, however I find that if you paint with a brush you get much better coverage and protection. I've used Trulux 33 which worked well but is a little pricey. Two years ago I tried Blue Water's Shelter Island which is cheaper and seems to work as well. These are non copper paints that are used on aluminum surfaces such as your drives. Remember that if you need sanding, use sandpaper *don't use a wire brush* and I replace the anodes every season. Zinc anodes for salt water and aluminum for brackish water. You Tube has excellent videos on drive painting, good luck.....