I've just don't some minor cosmetic repairs on my white fiberglass rudder and would like to now freshen it up with a coat of white paint. Any recommendations? It's a small rudder off a O'Day 192 so I'd rather not have to buy a gallon of paint when the only use I have is the rudder. It never been painted before. Thanks, Z.
Paint for rudder?
- Thread starter Zorba
- Start date
- Status
Forgive me for being blunt, but if the only reason for painting the rudder is cosmetic, why bother? The O'Day 192 is trailerable but once you put the boat in the water, no one will see the rudder. Now if there's some other reason for painting, for example waterproofing, then brushing a little epoxy over the repair should do the trick.
Zorba,
How long is she in the water at any one time? Petit EasyPoxy (one part) is fine for a couple of days at a time. It's even in their literature. If it's in the water longer, think about a 2 part. The only rub is that if there has been paint on it before and you don't know what kind it is, you'll have to use one part paint. 2 part will react (may react) with others. Some folks swear by Rustoleum marine paint too. It's pretty cheap and comes in a number of colors.
How long is she in the water at any one time? Petit EasyPoxy (one part) is fine for a couple of days at a time. It's even in their literature. If it's in the water longer, think about a 2 part. The only rub is that if there has been paint on it before and you don't know what kind it is, you'll have to use one part paint. 2 part will react (may react) with others. Some folks swear by Rustoleum marine paint too. It's pretty cheap and comes in a number of colors.
Zorba, I used Rustoleum spray on my centerboard and rudder 4 years ago after fiberglass repairs on both. It is still holding up just fine, except where thin water has sanded the paint off the bottom edges! -Paul
Last edited:
After doing an Internet search, I followed advice of another person that did a small rudder repair as I did and used Rustoleum Universal Satin Spray Paint. I keep my Oday 222 on a lift (rudder out of water during non-use) and sail a few times a week in freshwater during our Minnesota summers. After one season of use, paint is still adhered- same as it was just after job was completed. Prior to painting, I removed old ablative antifouling paint using a liquid stripper and did some minor West System epoxy work. Rustoleum product adhered to all - including West epoxy repair area. I did not use a primer (but probably should have done so). http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=183
Spray paint is inexpensive, easy (this product sprays/ applies paint at any angle) and fast. I hung my rudder in garage using a stiff wire through pivot hole and was able to paint entire surface (each coat) during one session. I used two cans of spray paint , probabably 6 or 7 light layers of paint applied over the course of a few days. PS- I have no affiliation with Rustolem.
Spray paint is inexpensive, easy (this product sprays/ applies paint at any angle) and fast. I hung my rudder in garage using a stiff wire through pivot hole and was able to paint entire surface (each coat) during one session. I used two cans of spray paint , probabably 6 or 7 light layers of paint applied over the course of a few days. PS- I have no affiliation with Rustolem.
Just reading the post and have repainted my aluminium portholes with Rustolium oil base and clear coated them with marine grade clear coat with U.V. Resistance (for lower units) primed them with zinc chromate. Turned out very well..
Mich222 as your boat is out of the water quite a bit have you noticed any significant fading of the Rustolium due to sun exposure ?
Mich222 as your boat is out of the water quite a bit have you noticed any significant fading of the Rustolium due to sun exposure ?
If the rudder will stay submerged for any length of time, then you need a paint that will not blister. A polyurethane paint like Interlux' Brightside is a one part urethane paint and is not to be used under the waterline, for example. It is great for the hull sides and deck, etc., but not below the waterline. If you just want a shiny white paint, then I suggest you use an epoxy paint (not Rustoleum) as it is waterproof. So, Pettit's epoxy paints are suitable, but then know that while epoxy is waterproof, it is more susceptible to sun degradation than urethanes, so you can expect it to oxidize and lose the gloss faster and that is why people don't paint boats with epoxy above the waterline (or shouldn't). You can also use Interlux 3000 epoxy barrier coat, which is very waterproof, but not shiny, or you can use their Teflon Performance Epoxy, which is good too. If the boat sits in the water all the time and you leave the rudder on, then you might consider an antifouling paint and if you want white, then you need to go with Pettit or E Paint, both of who make white antifouling paints.
Thanks for all the advice guys. Yes, the primary reason for wanting to paint it is that the previous owner dinged it up a bit with the outboard. The patches are gray epoxy and it's just plain unsightly. I keep it in the water (fresh) 6 months of the year so no one sees it other than when it's on a trailer. But what can I say, I know what it looks like. I've really enjoyed the boat and I'm spending some money and time this winter with mostly cosmetic things , like replacing all teak, sail covers, new bottom coat, new halyards and sheets, etc., otherwise she's perfect. If I leave the rudder alone then it'll bug the the heck out of me. What can I say? It seems that the epoxy might be the best bet but I'll look into the other options as well.
Cheers!
Zorba
Cheers!
Zorba
After a second reading, it looks like most recommend Rustolium. I'll have to look at brush on vs. spray. Seems to be an inexpensive way to do it and I can alway go for epoxy after the next season if that doesn't work out.
Cheers!
-Z
Cheers!
-Z
- Status