Painting trim tabs

[drifter]

Im looking for folks opinions, should I paint them? (I keep the boat in the water and everything else is painted , outdrives bottom). If yes, what paint? Do you use the same (trilux 33) as the outdrive or do I prep with a metal primer and then paint with the same paint as the bottom?.  If no, why not? Currently mine aren't and I usually give them a good scape once or trice a year when in the water and completely cleaned during the winter when on the rock. Thanks in advance.

[markbellino]

I was told not to let the bottom paint get in contact with the drive or trim tabs as the algae paint contains metallics which could create a galvanic reaction between the drive or trim tabs and cause premature wear.

[Lifes Good]

You can paint them as long as the antifouling paint does not have any metal in it.  And the ones that are out there are not great.  I don't paint mine. I can reach them with a brush to clean them every few month's. No big deal.  Plus the zinc must have 100% contact to the tabs to function properly.
LG

[drifter]

I was told not to let the bottom paint get in contact with the drive or trim tabs as the algae paint contains metallics which could create a galvanic reaction between the drive or trim tabs and cause premature wear.

I read this someplace also and is my real concern. I guess scraping is the best option. It is interesting walking the yard, how many boats do have the tabs painted.

[True Grit]

I've been painting my trim tabs for years with anti fouling paint with copper in it for years without a problem..beats scraping them

[Dream 'Inn]

My prior boat I left wet slipped and never painted the tabs.  As others have said, they are pretty easy to clean.