posted 06-08-2005 10:54 AM ET (US)
The bottom 2-1/2 inches of my Tilt/Trim mechanism on my Nissan OB is in the drink when the boat is moored or not moving. I don't want to / can't raise the motor as I am happy with the current performance and have the blind hole mounting on the lower bolts. I keep the motor fully tilted out of the water when at rest on the mooring so the lower unit is clear of the water. I keep the lower tilt shaft well greased and regularly brush the scum that builds up on the unit but I do get a few barnacles by the end of the season. The hull is painted w/FBC antifouling up to the bracket but not on the bracket. The OB also has a zinc on the bottom of the bracket which is submerged to deal w/electrolisys.
I have thought about using a lower unit antifouling spray paint for aluminum housings and lower unit parts but think they have tin base as part of the antifouling properties. Would there be any problems using such a product mixing three disimilar metals along side of the copper based antifouling paint on the hull?
Would appreciate some sugestions on this as after three years the bracket is starting to look a bit shabby and although remains very functional I am concerned about future deterioration from the constant submersion .