Hi Robert,

We manufacture a product called HP Bottom Wax that could help. You can get more information at www.auroramarine.com

It has been used on the bottoms of antique wooden boats, most made from mahogany. Our Bottom Wax won't stick to oil, however. To use it, you would have to strip out the oil and refinish it with clear epoxy. Aurora Teak Clean will clean the wood and strip out the oil. Clear Epoxy will waterproof the wood. The only problem with epoxy is that it is subject to degradation from sunlight. The solution is to apply several coats of good quality marine varnish, with UV inhibitors and stabilizers over the epoxy. Then you can apply the Bottom Wax.

I used this system, without the Bottom Wax, on the floor board of my inflatable and it worked out great. The dingy was open so the floor boards were constantly wet. No degradation. The floor boards and seat looked great. This treatment should make your rudder look very pretty.

In high growth areas, you will still get slime and possibly some growth, especially if the boat is stationary for long periods of time. The solution is to wipe down you rudder with a sponge every week or two. The Bottom Wax is super slick making it almost impossible for hard growth to attach, but of course slime will attach to anything, including high copper antifouling paints.

Hope this was the information you were looking for.

Richard

posted December 15, 2002 03:44 PM            

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That's great Robert! Thanks for the research.

I really like my wood rudder. I think it's a shame to see a beautiful of wood, covered in coloured anti-fouling!

Cheers, Eric

Robert

posted December 16, 2002 09:22 AM            

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I've heard of a lot of guys using the wax in lieu of anti fowling, especially in fresh water lakes where you don't have to worry about barnicles. Seems to work as well as anti fouling but with a smoother (faster) finish.

I've used other Aurora products; they've always been good.

Although I agree with every one here on how beautiful a wood rudder looks, I still eventually painted ours below the water line. (Above water still fine varnished mahogany) The reason was is it's much harder to see weeds on your rudder while sailing with the wood finish. Contrasting white shows weeds clearly.

D'Arcy