Bryan A.

I but the 3" kind and use only 1/2 on each tab, its cheaper and less drag in the water on the bottom side. Although that is minimal. Be sure you have some sharp drill bits and go slow as not to burn out the bit.

An easy way to paint around them. Put masking tape down on the tab, install the zinc. Take an exacto or razor knife, follow around the zinc and peel the excess tape, then remove the zinc and paint away. When dry remove tape and permanently install the zinc.

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2003 Parker 2530 "El Mar".......click the pic
1973 Seacraft 20SF

Scup

This is the first year, in a while that, I saw "clear anti-fouling spray paint" for metals being stocked on our West Marine shelves. We used to carry carry the clear stuff a few years ago, but all of sudden, they took it off the market. I think the active ingredient in the old clear paint was tin. They took it off the market probably because it worked so well. Aluminum and tin do not quarrel electrically with each other to any great degree. What is good for your boat is bad for mother nature, at least that is what I have been told. I read the label on the new spray can and the active component is a copper compound (do not ask me how they can make a clear paint with a copper compound in it) but it is a very low percentage. I never was really happy with any copper based anti-fouling on aluminum since copper and aluminum do quarrel with each other. However, if you follow the directions it will probably work out fine. Still add the zincs; think of the zincs being like ice cream. They will get eaten up before the aluminum will.
There is another item that several of our customers have been complaining about concerning the environment. Apparently some federal judge in California passes a ruling concerning the wash down of boats. It does not make much sense to me, but my understanding of the fuss is the washdown water has to be collected and cannot be allowed to go over the side. If someone understands what it going on here, could they explain it to me? Perhaps this does not belong in this thread, but if someone knows what the fuss is all about perhaps they should start a new thread somewhere and explain it to the rest of us.

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"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go" by William Feather

Rover74

I guess I walked into that one...

Bryan thanks for the great tips, I hope to be out there working on it this weekend. I'll let you know how I made out.

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