Replacment hinges and painting trim tabs

Bern73

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Points
3
Age
51
Model
Escape
Few questions for a 1999 Escape 209.
1. Where can I find replacement hinges for the console electronics box (see photo)
2. Rusting, flaking trim tabs. What is the best way to repaint trim tabs? I'm guessing sand and repaint? If so, what is the best paint to use?

Thanks
Pete20230520_131800.jpg20230525_151908.jpg
 

kirk a

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
403
Reaction score
132
Points
43
Location
Massachusetts
Model
Express 330
I've had reasonable luck with Boat Outfitters for hardware replacements.

For the trim tab, I've always used bottom paint. That said, it looks like yours are raw, so will need primer first.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bern73

DennisG01

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 1, 2013
Messages
7,189
Reaction score
1,341
Points
113
Location
Allentown, PA & Friendship, ME
Model
Offshore
"Friction hinges"

My guess is that someone used a paint that has metal in it (or maybe pinholes in the paint) and that's the reaction you are seeing. They don't need to be painted, especially since your boat doesn't stay in salt water. Remove the paint and buff them shiny (if you want).

Also... remove the tab hinge and reseal - you're getting some crevice corrosion there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bern73

drbatts

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
887
Reaction score
190
Points
43
Location
CT
Model
Express 305
You can find replacement hinges on ebay or your local Grady dealer probably stocks them. Petit Hydrocoat eco paint will work for the tabs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bern73

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,531
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
If you boat in salt water, you should paint your tabs. many paints will nit stick well to stainless steel. In addition applying copper based bottom paint to bare stainless is nit advised.
The tabs need to be clean ( sanded or scrubbed to the metal) using a primer designed for metal. There are a few option, Interlux Primocon being one.
You can also use Trilux 33 as a primer, followed by regular bottom paint. I have had terrible results using Interlux33 by itself as an antifouling treatment for outdrives. There are also two part etching primers for stainless but I can't remember the name that was recommended for tabs.
Although non copper based antifouling paint like Pettit Hydrocoat ECO may work, I have no experience using it on bare metal.

Befor you go nuts, check with other boaters in your boating are to see what they do for their tabs. Many don't paint tabs at all.

With respect to the hinges, they are originally made and still are made by Southco. There are several options, the main one being the angle where the door snaps into a detent, keeping it from flopping up and down. A common option is 120 degrees for helm electronic boxes and 90 degrees for overhear boxes (since 90 degrees is just about as far as the door cab rotate before it hits he bottom of the hardtop)

Your hinge is probably one of the hinges shown here:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bern73

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,531
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
Guys... his boat is NOT bottom painted :)
hmmmmm. I guess I need to change the types of coatings I suggested:(
Or maybe he just needs to add sacrificial anodes to the tabs.

Or maybe just a can of rustoleum paint for metal.
Assuming the tabs are original and 23 or 24 years old, they don't look too bad.
 

Bern73

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2022
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
Points
3
Age
51
Model
Escape
They are original, at least that is what the previous owner (original owner) stated. He kept the boat on a lift and stored inside during off season. I bought the boat last year. I trailer the boat as it gives me more options on where to fish. I appreciate all the replies.
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
8,033
Reaction score
1,286
Points
113
A lot of the hinges are Southco. If you check their website you can usually match them up. Once you do, search ebay. Can find them direct usually from the manufacturer in China for about 1/3 the price...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bern73

seasick

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
9,531
Reaction score
1,420
Points
113
Location
NYC
My experience with Chinese electronic box hinges is that they do not use high grade stainless hinge pins or springs. As a result, their durability is less than the OEM parts. That said, even the OEMs have a limited lifespan at least cosmetically when exposed to a lot of sunlight.