anti-fouling

[bhofler]

Hello All:

I recently found that the problem with my engine was the 5-10lbs. of
barnacles hanging onto my combi unit. Seems that being in fresh water
does not ensure less growth particularly when I did not paint the
combi unit when I hauled out last year. For some reason I decided
that the lovely bronze combi deserved to be free of dark paint. My
question...is a barrier coat required on the unit first in order to
reduse corrosion due to the metals contained in the anti-fouling
paint? After scraping and painting, an old salt on the dock suggested
that that might be necessary. Just wondering.
I did paint it anyway, greased the unit, and, because I replaced
every possible electrical and gas regulating device that may have
been the cause of the loss of power, the old 022 sprang to life as I
floated of the grid yesterday. I cruised up the river at 5.5 knots
and down at 6.2 (gps over ground). I love it when the old engine
works like that. Check the bottom first will be my new mantra.
Having said that...are there any VEGAtarians in the souther gulf
islands currently cruising? Diana and I will be on the water next
week and plan to take it easy in the usual haunts.

Cheers
Brian-1039

 

[jimmyvusa]

Brian:

You can keep your bronze shiny look. I cleaned our Combi carefully with an aerosol spray aircraft metal stripper last season. Cleaned and polished it carefully removing all residue with bronze wool. Then the frosting.... West has this $28 aerosol lower unit outdrive coat which is clear. Works great in the North. Not one single barnacle on anything metal sprayed with this stuff. Remember, however uinlike you, we are in fairly cool waters and only in for about 5 months a year. Also we grease with "Slick 50" grease (which apparently contains Teflon) and we also coat this grease generously around the rudder post. The sea critters do not go near it or apparently croak on it if they do. We have yet to have one plnat itself on anything treated this way.

Depending on how long you are in the water and how warm it is, there was an article in PBO (practical boat owner), a British mag, that recommended several coats of stove polish for bronze fittings/props below the water line. The plan is about 5 coats each buffed shoeshine style with an old sock to a high luster. We tried this two seasons ago. Amazing it works. The barnacles hate it!! That will turn your Combi drive a shiny black but it may be worth it in high growth warm areas where boats are infrequently hauled. Anyway good luck.......

Keep it clean and smooth !! Happy Sailing
Jim 3228

bhofler bhofler@... wrote:
Hello All:

I recently found that the problem with my engine was the 5-10lbs. of
barnacles hanging onto my combi unit. Seems that being in fresh water
does not ensure less growth particularly when I did not paint the
combi unit when I hauled out last year. For some reason I decided
that the lovely bronze combi deserved to be free of dark paint. My
question...is a barrier coat required on the unit first in order to
reduse corrosion due to the metals contained in the anti-fouling
paint? After scraping and painting, an old salt on the dock suggested
that that might be necessary. Just wondering.
I did paint it anyway, greased the unit, and, because I replaced
every possible electrical and gas regulating device that may have
been the cause of the loss of power, the old 022 sprang to life as I
floated of the grid yesterday. I cruised up the river at 5.5 knots
and down at 6.2 (gps over ground). I love it when the old engine
works like that. Check the bottom first will be my new mantra.
Having said that...are there any VEGAtarians in the souther gulf
islands currently cruising? Diana and I will be on the water next
week and plan to take it easy in the usual haunts.

Cheers
Brian-1039 Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
AlbinVega-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

 

[bhofler]

James:

Thanks James for the information. I will buy some of that aerosol coating
from West when next I haul out. I must admit that it is wonderful to send
a message in a "virtual bottle" and receive a reply so soon. Is it
possible to have a VEGAtarian world conference whereby we can meet all
VEGAtarians? I invision a sort of "boy scout" jamboree with flags
etc...naturally the first would be on my home turf, the unsurpassed
British Columbia Gulf Islands...what can I say.

Cheers
Brian - V1039

 

[jimmyvusa]

Brian:

We have never been to BC. However if you organize the Vega Jamboree count us in as being there. We are travelling to Vancouver for a wedding there early summer 2004. I am saving all my frequent flyer miles to do it in decent style. This will be my first trip there. My wife knows Seattle pretty well but not BC. Our friends there are more into sport fishing than sailing. But we have them leaning after they visited and took a look at our Vega in LI Sound this past June.

Take care..................Jim

bhofler@... wrote:
James:

Thanks James for the information. I will buy some of that aerosol coating
from West when next I haul out. I must admit that it is wonderful to send
a message in a "virtual bottle" and receive a reply so soon. Is it
possible to have a VEGAtarian world conference whereby we can meet all
VEGAtarians? I invision a sort of "boy scout" jamboree with flags
etc...naturally the first would be on my home turf, the unsurpassed
British Columbia Gulf Islands...what can I say.

Cheers
Brian - V1039

 

[jimmyvusa]

Good Morning Brian:

What a kind offer.

I checked our timetable with my better half.
Our friends marry on July 10, 2004 in Vancouver. The Bride's parents live in Vancouver and are also friends of ours. We tentatively expect to be there in BC several days before the wedding and explore your area. Assuming you are in Town..........Can we tourists treat you to a lunch and something cool to drink?

If you would send me your private E-mail address. I will be in contact.......Many thanks...........Very best wishes
bhofler@... wrote: