Paint bottom for salt water?

[SeaHorse]

I have a friend that is moving to the Tampa area and says he has to have his fiberglass bass boat bottom painted to resist barnacles when he goes out into Tampa Bay. Since he only trailers his boat, I told him he didn't need it since the boat would only be in the water a few hours. He insists his "experts" told him he needs it anyway. <br /><br />Who's right?

 

[chuckz]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

How many of his experts boat salt water? A trailered boat doesn't need bottom paint. Before having his boat painted, have him watch a boat ramp for an afternoon, that will answer his question.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

Seahorse, L.I. Chuck is correct. Depending on the temperature of the water, it will take a week or so of continuous immersion, before an unpainted boat bottom will start to have bottom growth. If the boat is pulled every day, it will never have any build up.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

Of course it won't get any build-up!<br />You're not going to leave any crud on your hull once it's pulled out, are you?<br />You'll wash it down when you do the motor, so's no deposits stay on any of it. And you'll fresh-water flush it, too.<br />Course you will!<br />Barnacles!!! That's an old salt-water tale, that is!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

I didn't get any growth of any sort on my boats hull. It goes in the salt water in the morning and out before dark. Boat gets hosed down and motor run on muffs to wash out salt. No problems. <br /><br />When the boat is at the shore, it gets waxed almost every day. My boat is only 14.5' so it's a quick chore. Doesn't hurt to keep the shiny stuff waxed when around the salt.<br /><br />Mark<br /><br />EDIT:<br /><br />PS, I also flush out the trailer box frame with the hose. Also hose down springs, wheels and axles. It's galvanized, but it can't hurt to keep it salt free. And I need new tail lights alreay. They were brand new with the trailer last year, and a dozen or so launches ruined them. Getting the LED's.

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

Thanks to all for the great replies. <br />Mark 42...Nice boat. Reminds me of my 14 foot Steury I bought brand new in 1965 for $500 at the boat show. Had a merc 40 then moved up to a 70 hp "dockbuster."

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Paint bottom for salt water?

Our boat hangs in a slip under the house but on weekends or vacation it sits in the saltwater with no buildup or growth. I have left it sitting in the water for 7 days in mid summer when the water temp is above 80. After 4 days algea starts and on the 7th I noticed barnacles or something hard starting. If you trailer the boat and take it out of the water after use I wouldn't even think about bottom paint.