The stern drive is a part of your vessel that is immersed. Since you rely on it every time you're on the water, it is necessary to make sure that it is maintained and checked out whenever possible. Stern Drives are not easily seen when your boat is in the water, and after they have sustained damage, such as galvanism that could have been prevented, you will have to ask yourself why you were not more vigilant. Repairs can be very costly with prices ranging from $2,000. to $5,000. or more.
Galvanism is a product of the electrical relationship between one metal and another. When two metals are brought together (one that is cathodic and one that is anodic), electricity will be generated. Electrical flow of electrical current causes electrolysis (galvanism). Zincs, which are
used to protect underwater metal parts, slowly erode over time. Galvanism can occur when your zincs are no longer effective. The answer lies in inspecting zincs on a regular basis.
The paint on the exterior of your drive is very important to its overall life span. It is there to protect the aluminum used to build the drive. If the coating is scraped off, the water gets to the metal and it will start to corrode. Damage may occur from objects in the water, like barnacles, or during trailering. Keeping your stern drive properly coated will extend its life. Prevent any marine growth from developing whenever possible.
Painting your drive is not something that should be taken lightly. If it is not done properly, it will peel as quickly as the paint went on. Because of the complex design of the drive, it is often not sanded properly and the application of an anti-fouling paint will not adhere properly. Make certain that your drive is sanded properly and a proper primer applied before anti-fouling paint is applied.
Try not to damage paint that is not damaged already when removing any kind of stubborn marine growth. (This goes double if you ever take your boat into salt water where barnacles can play havoc with your finish).
Corrosion will occur in the nooks and crannies that seem impossible to reach. Most new drives do not have anti-fouling paint, so it is a good idea to have it applied when you first purchase a new drive. Obviously, this job must be done by someone with the proper knowledge and skills, such as the folks at Randy's Marine Service in Canoe.
Something to remember - once you have gone to the trouble of protecting your drive with anti-fouling paint, it should not be exposed to air for prolonged periods of time, as air dissipates the anti-fouling properties of the paint. Keep the drive covered when out of the water for a
prolonged period of time.
Simple measures, but their observances will increase the life span of your stern drive and your boating pleasure, not to mention the health of your bank account.
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