paint rudder housing

[Robert Avent]

I am reworking the rudder assembly as part of winter haulout. (new outhaul line, new gasket material). Near the bottom of the metal rudder housing (the two sheet metal pieces, not the rudder itself), some of the paint has flaked off. What type of paint is recommended for refinishing these parts? Thanks, Bob

 

[Mark Sanford]

Primer is Important

A few years back I had my rudder frame repainted by a professional. I had a similar problem as the paint had flaked off. The body shop said that there ws no primer under the original paint. With the assembly being aluminum, it must be primed with zinc chromate primer for the finish enamel to adhere. Most paint won't stick to base aluminum

 

[Robert Avent]

Thanks Mark

Zinc chromate primer it is.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

zinc chromate

If you are painting any metal surface that will be out in the open but also mostly in the water, spray zinc chromate. This will include repainting metal keels if the keel is bare. Remember to always clean any metal of rust before you paint anything on.

 

[Robert Avent]

Thanks Dave

I was hoping you might chime in on this one.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Thanks and read on

lMake sure that the anti fouling paint you use for any trailerable is the kind that will be good next seeason if the boat is pulled out for more than 60 days. I suggest Micron CSC or West Marine CCP which is about the same thing as Micron CSC which I have had good luck with over the years.

 

[Robert Avent]

I had planned to use enamel

Thanks, I also have had good luck with Micron CSC on the bottom. I had planned to use Tohatsu grey enamel which looks pretty close to what came with it orginally. Dave, do you think bottom paint or enamel would be better on the rudder housing? I had not planned to repaint the rudder itself, since it does not stay underwater at dock. I only chose the Tohatsu grey because I figured I would have enough left over to paint the lower unit on my motor.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I think you will be fine

That piant is pretty good. Make sure to use zinc chromate on bare aluminum and in surface prep, scratch it up lightly for good adhension of paint if not going on directly to zinc chromate.

 

[Robert Avent]

Thanks again Dave

Appreciate you sharing your experience. Being able to ask someone who really knows often saves much unnecessary work and re-dos.

 

[Rob McLaughlin]

Bare Aluminum

I have seen the suggestions about paint, but what about sanding or grinding off the original paint, and just leaving the brushed aluminum? Mine does not actually get submerged (H26) - is there something I'm not considering?

 

[Robert Avent]

Thanks everyone

I appreciate all of your input. There is a lot more to doing this stuff right than meets the eye.