Stern Drive Corrosion, too much?

[eely22]

This is the stern drive from a 2004 Volvo Penta 4.3L engine. There is some level of corrosion/paint chipping all around the drive, and I am wondering if this is too much and needs to be repaired? Or is this mostly cosmetic? I don't see any significant pitting of the metal, and it appears to mostly be missing paint with rough metal surface underneath. Boat has only been used in fresh water, but is in the lake all summer long.

Is this something to immediately be concerned about? Or natural for a 14 year old drive and doesn't need an immediate fix?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[kenny nunez]

What you are seeing is pretty normal. When those drives are painted at the factory they are usually assembled and go through a paint monorail line with automated spray guns. So the paint always starts to bubble around the mating surfaces.

 

[Thalasso]

It needs addressed.

 

[BRICH1260]

That’s salvagible. Sand the drive, especially the corroded areas. Fill imperfections with epoxy and sand again . Then repaint and clear. Good to go.

 

[Scott Danforth]

while the type of corrosion is normal after a while, it should be attended to as soon as possible.

 

[tpenfield]

Probably not enough (or any) anode protection. You can save it, but don't wait as there will be too much metal depletion.

 

[eely22]

Thanks everyone. I got similar advice from others as well. This is from an '04 Four Winns 180 I am purchasing, so I will try and get it cleaned up before I take delivery. Otherwise the boat is in immaculate condition, so hoping we got a great family boat for the next 5-10 years.

 

[Thalasso]

Thanks everyone. I got similar advice from others as well. This is from an '04 Four Winns 180 I am purchasing, so I will try and get it cleaned up before I take delivery. Otherwise the boat is in immaculate condition, so hoping we got a great family boat for the next 5-10 years.

If you haven't bought it yet i would move on because whomever repairs it isn't going to do it right. Sanding and repainting isn't the right way to do it. There is more to it then that if it's to be done the right way.It's going to be a headache down the road for you.

 

[eely22]

If you haven't bought it yet i would move on because whomever repairs it isn't going to do it right. Sanding and repainting isn't the right way to do it. There is more to it then that if it's to be done the right way.It's going to be a headache down the road for you.

Could you elaborate on the right way to do it? What would need to be done?