Antifouling

[pmterm]

Hello - I have an alpha one gen II seawater cooled sterndrive. I use Trilux 33 paint on the drive each year and it works ok but I still get all sorts of barnacle growth and slime inside the plastic seawater intake manifolds/screens. Boat is moored in saltwater in Northeast US. Any tips or suggestions on good products or techniques to avoid or minimize this growth? I usually end up jumping in, removing the strainers and cleaning them out each week but that is a bit of a hassle and I have lost a few screwdrivers to boot! Thanks!

 

[Capt. Bill1]

Put chlorine tablets in the strainers. Or some people swear copper pipe pieces put in a strainer will slow the growth.

 

[Brite Idea]

When you paint the drive also paint inside the strainers. When you or your mechanic replace the impeller be sure to remove the pump base and paint the water passage under it. It won't stop it completely but it'll slow it down enough to get you through the season.

 

[pmterm]

Great idea on painting inside the passages, thanks. Is there anything better for sterndrives than the Trilux 33 product? How about mixing in tabasco or cayenne, ever hear of that?
Thanks!

 

[buzzk]

I use Bromine in my A/C strainer. I was told it's not as damaging to the hoses as chlorine.