any suggestions on keeping a outdrive finish like new when leaving in fresh water for extended periods of time ? have all the necessary zincs . any products to apply ?

A drive that lives in salt water in a marina with stray power...vs a trailered machine in the salt and washed/run with fresh water after every exposure.

Sand and feather the chipped areas. Reprime with zinc chromate..and proper paint.

YES, put your boat on a lift and keep it OUT of the water. If you plan on keeping a boat for a while it will pay for itself over a short time and keep the overall maintenance to a minimum.