NE reason *not* to wax an outdrive (B3)?

[johnb]

Right now, my outdrive looks pristine. I know it will accumulate the normal water grunge and river slime over time. I also know I can try to be vigilent about cleaning it (it is trailered). Furthermore, I know that when it eventually gets to the point where soap/water no longer work, I can go to more drastic measures to clean (e.g., On-Off). But that would only be smart if I was prepping for new paint.

So can I just clean and apply a coat of wax to the outdrive, while it's still in shiny new condition? I assume this would be very helpful while in winter-storage if the outdrive is uncovered.

 

[Still LauCo]

I don't think it could hurt anything, and if it makes you feel better, why not.
Also, you could get one of these- www.outdrivebuddy.com

Right now, my outdrive looks pristine. I know it will accumulate the normal water grunge and river slime over time. I also know I can try to be vigilent about cleaning it (it is trailered). Furthermore, I know that when it eventually gets to the point where soap/water no longer work, I can go to more drastic measures to clean (e.g., On-Off). But that would only be smart if I was prepping for new paint.

So can I just clean and apply a coat of wax to the outdrive, while it's still in shiny new condition? I assume this would be very helpful while in winter-storage if the outdrive is uncovered.

 

[Nehalennia]

Wax won't hurt a thing. You say it's trailered so I assume it comes out of the water after each use. Are you gathering this "slime" every trip out enough so that it requires more than a scrub brush and hose?

I have heard of people spraying the O/D with Pledge and they claim good results, but I've never done it and I'd ask Merc or your dealer their opinions before doing this.

 

[Yachtsea]

Just a note of caution, not related to your post, but here goes.

If you use a pressure washer be vary careful on your drive.

Reduce the pressure, use the tip that gives you a less intense spray and keep some distance between the tip of the wand and your drive.

I found this out the hard way.

 

[SR Tech]

Wax that puppy.

Most of the grime will come off while still wet, its just when it dries that you have to do a bit of scrubbing.

If there is corrosion on the drive, chances are it is under the paint and yes a pressure washer will blow the paint off.

Slimey Grimey is the safest way to clean dried river grime off your outdrive.

The main thing you want to watch out when pressure washing is your mercathode.

The continuity wires inside of that are VERY small and will break easily, thus causing faster corrosion.

Plus they SUCK to replace.

 

[mrsrobinson]

I don't think it could hurt anything, and if it makes you feel better, why not.
Also, you could get one of these- www.outdrivebuddy.com

OutDriveBuddy, I love it!

 

[dpmulvey]

Lanolin.