Propeller and Shaft - Should I paint?

[Tom Lanzilli]

In preparing my boat for this season (which is my first with an inboard) The shaft and propeller on this boat had many barnacles.  I cleaned this area well, however, I am trying to figure out why I would not paint it with the ablative bottom paint I use on the bottom of the boat.  Is there any reason I should not do this?

[Susan Ray]

yes, it is said because dissimilar metals should not be together as it causes corrosion...copper is in bottom paint.

[Ron Hill]

TJL : Yes, paint the prop and the shaft, but I would use hard bottom paint.  Ablative paint will "polish" off in no time at all.
Look at the paint used for out drives.  Use #80 grit paper to the surface, clean with acetone and make sure you use a primer.  That will help the paint ad-hear for the longest time.