Trim Tabs - Anti Fouling Paint

CaptMac

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
303
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2715K213
Vessel Name
Passage Weaver
MMSI Number
367558060
Has anyone had any success painting their trim tabs with anti fouling paint?

Island Ranger has been in the water 3 years, and the trim tabs have always grown a beautiful garden in a short period of time. I'm thinking there has to be a better way, though I had a great deal of trouble getting paint to stick to the stainless tabs on my last boat - so I never even tried on Island Ranger.

What did you use for the primer and paint?

Thanks,
Mac
 
We had the bottom repainted on Moondance at the end of last year (by the factories primary vendor). The trim tabs were done at the same time. It was really an experiment. The paint started chipping off in less than a month. I don't know what they used, but it won't stick. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Back to scrubbing.

Cheers
 
Use PropSpeed
 
Try Interlux Micron Extra. Works good for me. Put on one coat for each year of protection you want. For example, if you do not want to paint your bottom again for three years, put on three coats. It is expensive, but it works.
 
I use Trilux Prop & Drive Antifouling Paint and primer. It is in a spray can and makes it easier to apply.

I have also added zincs to the trim tabs to prevent galvanic corrosion, since most bottom paints have copper in them.

I believe this is our trim tab manufacturer guidelines. https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http ... ooting.pdf

It gives pretty clear advice regarding painting and zincs.
 
I did exactly what the manual says -- 2 coats of epoxy, 2 coats of bottom paint after cleaning the tabs with a wire brush in my drill. It flaked off just like before.
 
Lobo,
You have to be a chemist to really understand paints. It is important to follow the instructions on the label of the paint you are going to use, and use the specific brand names of the primer, thinner, etc. that is specified. If you don't, you may be asking for trouble. You did not say what bottom paint you used. The following link gives the instructions for priming bare metals using Interlux products.
http://www.yachtpaint.com/images/15_6819.pdf
 
Thanks to all for the feedback -

Reading about TriLux Prop and Drive primer & antifouling paint - the info says that's for Aluminum, not Stainless. Right? Did you find it really worked, and didn't fall off?

The Interlux instructions say it works on either aluminum or steel, but you need to apply the primer within 1 hour of sandblasting. Has anyone tried that?

Thanks again,
Mac
 
The TriLux Prop and Drive worked fine for me last year. By fine I mean that barnacles were controlled, not necessarily completely eliminated, which says a lot based on normal activity in our area. I also can say that it did not stay on perfectly for the entire season, but then again I didn't sand blast the metal surfaces like you see recommended. In other words, it was acceptable but not perfect.

There is a lot of conflicting information about whether it should only be used on aluminum. However, this was originally marketed as anti-fouling paint for aluminum and stainless steel and info published by Interlux says, although it was specifically designed for aluminum, it can also be used on any underwater surfaces. I used it again this year and will play a bit closer attention to how it wears. I detected no galvanic corrosion as a result of using it last year, which is the main concern for me when using bottom paint on metal surfaces, after the anti-fouling issue anyway.

If you do find something that gives good results, without a ton of work, let me know.

Doug K.
 
I only have one more coat of bottom paint to go - then I'm finished. I decided to paint the trim tabs and the rudder - to avoid the barnacles and slim, and reduce the rate that I consume zincs. I also added zincs to the rudder, (already have them on the trim tabs) and even had the propeller coated with prop speed. I am hopeful that my zincs will now last almost forever!

After cleaning, scraping, wire brushing and sanding the underwater metals, I applied one coat of Interlux Vinyl-Lux 353/354 Prime wash. Then 4 (or was it 5?) coats of Interlux 2000E Interprotect (2000E/2001) followed by two coats of Micron Extra (w/Biolux) bottom paint. It came out looking pretty good, although it was tough to put paint on all that nice shiny metal!

Now to keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't fall off (like every other time I've tried on other boats...)

Mac
 
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