Paint on Trim Tabs?

• Dec 3, 2017

• #1

SloBurn

Active Member

May 30, 2013

842

Greenwood Lake, NY

Boat Info

1994 270 Sundancer. 7.4L Merc. Tow with a 2006 Dodge RAM Hemi

Engines

340 HP Merc 454 c.i.

Just got a 270DA and the trim tabs have several layers of bottom paint on them. Anodes were just about gone. Salt water boat. I've never painted tabs on previous boats, I keep them clean, and my anodes seem to last years, in fresh water. So, should they be painted??

 

• Dec 3, 2017

• #2

Air O'Nautical

Well-Known Member

Feb 5, 2008

2,316

Port Saint Lucie Florida

Boat Info

1995 400EC. Raymarine E80, Tridata, 4kw dome, Garmin 943

Engines

2013 7.4L Mercruiser Blue water.
Hurth straight shaft 630's,
Westerbeke 7.0 BCG

All I know is saltwater..
It’s common to paint the tabs if the boats left in the water all season or year. You don’t paint under zinc though...

The good news is tabs can be sanded back to bare metal and a thin layer of anti fouling added. I’ve had great luck with Pettit zinc spray can.

 

• Dec 3, 2017

• #3

L

Lazy Daze

Well-Known Member

TECHNICAL Contributor

Apr 21, 2009

18,916

PA

Boat Info

Various

Engines

Various

Are you saying this boat is NOW in fresh water? They don't really "need" to be painted, but it doesn't hurt anything if you leave them that way. Be sure to use either Mg or Al anodes - if you're not sure which is best for your area (ask around), use Al.