Has anyone painted their rudder assembly? If so what did you use?
I painted my 23 twice with Rustoleum paint for metal surfaces. Lasted maybe 2 yrs even with a primer.
I used a zinc chromate primer and a rustoleum top coat. the picture is just after finishing, don't have a current but four years later really still looks great and no breaks in the coating except in the arc swing which is a touch worn.
I painted mine with Rustoleum black bottom paint.
I sanded mine really well, then applied a spray can etching primer, 2 coats. Then a spray can standard primer one coat, then as it sat in the sun I sprayed Rustoleum Gloss Black until the primer had been well forgot about, and the sun on the can helped it spray and flow nicely. My rudder blade is only aluminum at the top, the rest I foiled in my shop and so I just leave it alone till I bottom paint with the boat.
I would say I am 6 years or better with no issues at all with the head of that rudder assembly. I thought about having the head powder coated but this has held up so well that I will just do this again when it is needed.
Mac
After a complete sanding and removing any oxidation I spray coated with gray chromate from West marine. Next step was a light fine grit sanding followed by a complete wipe down with cloth and tack rag. Next painted by brush 2 coats of Interlux Brightside Polyurethane. 6 years latter no issues. Looks like the day it was first painted.