removing hull paint

[torcano]

The Mercruiser manual states that there should be an approximate 1 inch paint free area around the outdrives where the gimbal housing meets the transom. The previous owner did not leave this paint free space. What is the best way to remove the paint? Is there a solvent I can use or should I just sand it off until I get to the fiberglass. Is this really important to do? The boat I skept in the water 7 month per year.

 

[oops!]

Re: removing hull paint

torcano.

is the area paint? or gell coat?

there is a big difference.

i think the manual is actually referring to matalic paint....not gellcoat,

no need to sand the gell down to the glass for an inch around the housing !

 

[tpenfield]

Re: removing hull paint

Peel Away will do the trick . . .

sanding scraping might leave you with a rough gel coat surface.

I don't provide the 1" buffer on my boat . . . no adverse effects . . . so it may not be really important to do.

 

[torcano]

Re: removing hull paint

I was referrimg to the ablatative bottom paint to prevent growth. My understanding was that the ablative bottom pain contained a chemical that should not be in contact with the aluminum gimbal housing hence the need for some separation.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: removing hull paint

I was referrimg to the ablatative bottom paint to prevent growth. My understanding was that the ablative bottom pain contained a chemical that should not be in contact with the aluminum gimbal housing hence the need for some separation.

Yup, it's the copper in the ablative . . . as I said above, I don't do it. I did one year and had barnacles growing in the 1" space, so I cancelled that action.

I see no ill effects . . . the aluminum outdrive does most of its business with the anodes on the outdrive, not the paint.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: removing hull paint

If you have AF paint on the hull, you should have it on the outdrive as well. So the next time you apply the proper AF paint to the outdrive, paint 1" around the outdrive with it. Cover any old AF paint well, and it should not be an isses, not that I thought it was an issue.

I recommend you use Trilux or some other AF paint made for aluminum, on the outdrive. Brush on two coats.