How to paint aluminium plate on transom

[Croolis]

Ello.

Unpacked boat yesterday for first time this season to have a look. The aluminium plate that's mounted on the inside of the transom that the engine clamps to has finally started shedding all its paint properly. This accelerated when I started using the boat in salt water last year. The ally underneath has done that oxidising surface powdery thing that it does.

I feel like should paint it again. Can anyone advise me if a) it actually needs painting or is fine to leave it (this doesn't mean I won't paint it anyway, just procrastinate about painting it ) and b) how anyone else has dealt with the dimples that are cast on the plate, presumably for grip, when it comes to sanding and painting.

Any thoughts appreciated .

[beerbelly]

aluminum needs a chemical etch for paint to adhere clean it all up with a rotary wire brush in a drill or grinder then a couple of light coats of etch primer before painting

[paintman]

U-Pol Acid8.
Available in aerosol.
Works on old Range Rovers & caravans.
https://u-pol.com/en-us/product/aero...d-etch-primer/

[Fenlander]

Of course a new plastic plate EBay/Amazon £8 or so, in alloy£15 max. New paint however well diy applied will scratch off from the first use onwards.

[beamishken]

A fiver buys you a new one it will cost way more to buy the etch primer, prep equipment & top coat than you can buy a replacement for
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365205598...Bk9SR9y7qv7FZQ

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Of course a new plastic plate EBay/Amazon £8 or so, in alloy£15 max. New paint however well diy applied will scratch off from the first use onwards.

You must have posted that just as I was typing almost the same thing 👍

[Croolis]

Ah, get a new one. Never even thought of that, presumed expensive. I see aluminium ones on ebay £13. The boat is put away so can't measure easily. Are they standard sized?

[willk]

...or you could just give it a quick birl with the wire wheel and live with it.

[Croolis]

Originally Posted by willk

...or you could just give it a quick birl with the wire wheel and live with it.

To be sure, I could live with the cosmetic aspects of it, no worries. I even have a wire wheel already.

I don't know much about salt water effects in detail though. Is there any downside besides the cosmetic by just living with it?

[willk]

It's just there to provide some friction and stop the engine grips damaging the transom, so so long as it looks substantial, it will be OK

[Peter_C]

*shrugs* I would just run it. If the looks bother you then replace it, but function is not affected.

[Croolis]

Cool thx for replies all. I shall likely just live with it until it does my head in .