It is antifouling paint. Label says it can be applied directly over existing antifoul coating, just wipe down first. That’s the main reason I used it, existing blue (and I believe the white layer underneath that) are antifouling paint. It is probably overkill, because I don’t really plan to leave it in for extended periods, but some of our lakes around here have trouble with invasive zebra mussels and I’m told the antifouling paint helps. (Or at least the park rangers like to see it.)
As you can probably tell from the photos, I did not fair and sand it as well as you did on yours Sam. (Keel in particular has cosmetic issues if you see it in person.) That said, I had intended to fix some broken and delaminating fiberglass on the keel, not do a full restoration at this point, so I am calling it good for now. I’m too new at the shipwright job to let myself be pulled down that rabbit hole, lthough it is frustrating to leave things undone, it is (or should be) much more water tight and the transom repairs along with the lighter engine should let us enjoy it for another season or two before I strip everything back down to bare wood.
Re-reading all that... I’m sounding defensive. :facepalm: Not really my intention. I’m enjoying the boat and the working on it. It is a classic and I’m trying to be a good caretaker, but I see the amazing wooden boat restorations online (Sam’s included) and know I’m not at that point yet. I suspect I’ll get there, but it will take a few seasons.
I’m liking the red. Need one more coat, but it has gone on easily by roller and brush. It’s West Marine BottomShield paint. Water based, so cleanup has been easy.
