Rusting trim tabs on the R-23

[baz]

Subject: Rusting trim tabs on the R-23

I happend to find two outboard model R-23s moored at my Edmonds marina today (salt water). They both looked awesome and visually seem larger than 23-feet, and that is without considering the extra length of the outboard on their swim steps. The foredeck also seems (and maybe is) longer and more spacious than what I recall on our R-25 (Classic).

However, after drooling over these two R-23s I took a look at their trim tabs. They were, on both boats, severely rusted even with their anodes intact. These R23s appeared to be very recent models and to see the rusting trim tabs was quite a surprise to me. I had an R-25 (Classic) and after some 5 years its trim tabs (with anodes) were not rusting to the same extent as what I saw on these two newish R23s. 😱

Do others with new R23 models also see this rusting ?

See my Photo Album - "Some moored R23s I looked at" at http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=47962

 

[knotflying]

Are you sure it is rust and not some growth?

 

[sleepyboat]

It doesn't look like there is any paint on them. This happened on my 27. They were sanded to remove the rust/corrosion and bottom painted. My 23 was painted before it went in last year and no problems.

 

[baz]

Are you sure it is rust and not some growth?

Mike: If you look at the photos I captured you will see the rusting quite clearly. IMO it's not growth but rust.

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Barry,

I'm with Mike on this. I don't think it is rust. Just rust colored algae. Too much fuzzy floating stuff for rust. We get this colored algae stuff on our trim tabs all the time.

Curt

 

[tlkenyon]

On my 2015 25sc the trim tabs appear to be aluminum. Does not make sense to me that they would make them out of ferrous metal to be put in the water...

TK

 

[baz]

Hi Barry,

I'm with Mike on this. I don't think it is rust. Just rust colored algae. Too much fuzzy floating stuff for rust. We get this colored algae stuff on our trim tabs all the time.

Curt

Fair enough.... one then can only tell by scrubbing the algae off in the hope that the metal is exposed and gleaming like new, right ?

To make this claim credible it would be useful to hear from another member who has similar looking trim tabs and can say its "Just rust colored algae.".

 

[JamesTXSD]

Yep, algae. On our CD-25, we bottom painted the trim tabs. I have seen a clear coat type of bottom paint to be used for trim tabs, but our local boatyard said it doesn't wear as well. Even with bottom paint, you will get algae... it will just clean off easier.

 

[knotflying]

Hey Barry,
I'm sure the owner on the "rusty" trim tabs will appreciate you cleaning them off to determine if it is rust or algae. 😀

 

[baz]

Hey Barry,
I'm sure the owner on the "rusty" trim tabs will appreciate you cleaning them off to determine if it is rust or algae. 😀

Mike: I may do just that to bring closure to this issue. :roll: I'm meeting the owner of the rusty trim tabs tomorrow, so we shall hopefully see some shiny new trim tabs then, right ? :lol:

 

[Chimo]

"Rusty Trim Tabs" actually sounds like quite a whimsical name for a boat.

 

[Red Raven]

:lol:

 

[baz]

Mike & Curt:

I have a confession to make. 😱

Was at my Edmonds marina today and met up with the R-23 owner on which I had previously captured the trim tab's rust/algae. Upon careful examination you both are correct as the 'stuff' on the trim tabs was clearly algae which was kind of floating about. I suspect a quick brush would remove the algae easily.

Sorry if I caused any alarm to other R-23 owners. 🙁

 

[Red Raven]

No problem Barry! It was a worthwhile discussion as you got to talk to an R23 owner and we all got a new boat name idea! Rusty Trim Tabs

 

[knotflying]

I think Barry should have shined those tabs up so we could see the before and after. :lol:

 

[baz]

Mike:

:lol:

Yes, had we had a pole with a brush on its end the owner and I would have shined those tabs for sure. Maybe the owner's interest has now been piqued and will make the tabs look like new and pristine looking. If so, I'll post new photos to blind all. 😉