Bottom paint on exhaust outlet, trim tabs, and rudder

[Painkiller]

We boat in Lake Michigan and our boat is in the water for about 5 months. I usually paint the smile and front of the hull annually but was wondering if I should be painting the exhaust outlet, trim tabs, and rudder. Typically, I have painted the trim tabs but they still seem to collect some slimy algae from the river water where the boat is stored. I don't think it affects anything and it is not very thick but I notice it. I am thinking about not painting them this year - does anyone have any thoughts on that? Also, what about painting the exhaust outlet and rudder? Thanks.

 

[Stee6043]

My tabs get the algae and are not painted. As you mention it's not a lot of grime, nothing that I think would ever impact performance.

My rudders are exhaust are also not painted. I'm not sure it makes much of a difference for us cold/fresh water guys. Other than the sides that get some sunshine, our bottoms are pristine after a summer compared to those salt water guys...

 

[Henry Boyd]

I bottom paint our trim tabs, largely to prevent barnacle growth on the tops. Also keep in mind if you have unpainted stainless tabs there is some contribution to galvanic corrosion.