Outboard antfoul

[Lucky Drifter]

Hi everybody what do you use the antifoul the parts of the outboard supports that are in the water after the engine is tilted up. We have used lanolin grease in the past but it is very messy. Any recommendations greatly appreciated thanks Lucky Drifters

[kurz]

Nothing

[Russ]

On my Suzuki, where the mount touches the water, is a zinc anode. If yours has one, you do NOT want to paint it. That needs to have contact with the water.

[Be Free]

I don't use any type of antifoul on the outboard. I tip it up when it's at anchor and that does the trick for all but the bottom part of the mounting bracket. I've had to scrape a few barnacles off but anything else just rinses off when I get it home.

[Lucky Drifter]

Thanks everyone, our Lucky Drifter is about to go back on its mooring so we need something to stop the growth & oysters etc. We usually take the anodes off before coating as yes they need electric contact with the seawater. Lanolin grease works, just looking for something better, maybe alloy / aluminum antifoul will be OK

[Russ]

I suppose you COULD paint the bits that touch the water with antifoul. I don't see why not. Just do as you have by removing the anode and replacing it.

[OverEasy]

Hi Lucky Drifter!

Seems we have a common problem… that bit if engine bracket that stays in the water when the engine is up while in the slip.

We tried hoping the paint would be slick enough but nope on that.
That didn’t work much at all as evidenced when we hauled out for a week to get the engine oil and filter changes and some mods done before our trip up to Charleston SC.

After letting things dry out a couple days in the sun the barnacles and oysters popped off with a stiff plastic brush and a sharp piece of wood. The pause gave us time to research what could be done to minimize future growth. We rejected the oil and grease approaches for the mess factor and went with the ablative antifoul method. Our extra engine reinforcing plate we added to the transom was painted with the ablative antifoul and was pristine when we hauled out.
Same area as the engine bracket, same operating conditions…. No marine growth!

It was a no brained from there.
Just dug out the surplus ablative antifoul paint and after wiping the cleaned engine bracket with alcohol degreaser we applied two coats to every surface that remains submerged and two inches above the water line. I don’t think we’ll have much for future problems in this regard.





For what it’s worth….

Best Regards,
Over Easy