does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

[skysurfer2010]

I'm having trouble deciding if my outdrive absolutely needs to be repainted. It's a fresh water boat I purchased last year that the previous owner docked in the water for 1 season. If it's nothing more than an eyesore I can live with it for another season. If this is something that needs to be addressed right away then I'll start digging up the threads on how to do it. A marine mechanic said there's nothing to worry about, but I want a second opinion.

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

[Black as]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

Personally I would not let my boat out of the driveway looking like that, give it a good clean with a wire brush on a drill then sand it with sandpaper and a good undercoat then a top coat, should come up very nice I say

 

[Bondo]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

Ayuh,... Give it a Good scrubbing with a scotch-brite pad,+ shoot it with rattlecan Rustoleum in gray...

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

So I don't need to strip it all the way down to the metal? Just a good sanding and rattle can it?

What can I use to cover the water inlets on the lower unit? I assume they should be covered (as well as the zincs) before hitting it with paint? Or will it not hurt anything?

Thanks for such quick replies! The rest of the boat is in great condition. This is the only thing on the boat that looks like crud.

 

[Black as]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

It wont affect the lower intake but mask up the transom so you don't get over spray over your nice clean boat.

Every time I see a little mark or paint flaking I fix it straight away but then again I have a Cobra out drive preventative maintenance is a virtue and things last that bit longer I feel.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

Dont paint the zincs, they wont work if covered. I use standard painters tape to cover things up and put wadding or a peg/nail in any orifices.

 

[Don S]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

No, you do not "HAVE" to paint it, you also don't have to change the gear lube, or the bellows, or change engine oil and filters, or fuel filters or any other basic Maintenance items.

All that maintenance stuff does is make it last longer.

 

[Juniinc]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

masking tape + scotch brite pad,,,

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: does my outdrive *have* to be repainted?

I have no issues with maintenance and I like to keep up with it. This is my first boat and I just wasn't sure if this would affect anything other than cosmetically. I'll hit it with 3m scotch brite and then rustoleum. Thanks again for the replies!