posted 02-07-2006 06:16 PM ET (US)        

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I'm about to install a new outboard on my Outrage 22 Cuddy, and have been wondering if it's a good idea to put some type of antifouling paint on the outboard bracket below the water line prior to mounting the motor. I've seen various clear paints designed for this purpose, and want to know a) are they effective? and b) are they detrimental to the motor in any way? The boat will be kept in a salt water slip most of the time. I did not have any antifouling paint on the bracket of my previous motor, but always had to spend some time scrubbing the slime off with a toothbrush whenever I hauled the boat.

The second question is related: Is there any harm in putting antifouling paint on the gelcoat underneath the engine mounting bracket? There are always a few small areas around the trim ram that are below the waterline, and an initial coating of paint might keep that at bay for a while. What I'm worried about is some type of accelerated corrosion on the motor bracket from being in direct contact with the cuprous oxide containing paint. The paint I'm currently using is Micron Extra ablative.