Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

[GaryAK]

I've found a used boat that really satisfies my needs. It has ablative bottom paint and is moored. If I bought it, it would live on a trailer. I just don't know the nature/properties of this type of paint or if this would even be a problem. I had the notion that it might scrape off while loading and unloading...My money is tight and I don't need to start off with a possibly expensive maintenance issue. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

 

[BWT]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

where are you located? I.E. what kind of water are you in?

 

[GaryAK]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

where are you located? I.E. what kind of water are you in?

I'm in Alaska...it would be a salt boat and would be coming from salt...Puget Sound. And while we are at it, maybe you would know...Is there a difference in how saltwater reacts with boats depending on temperature? Example: Florida salt..warm, Alaska salt..cold. I think I was somewhere warm once...but I could have been dreaming. This particular boat is a fiberglass over plywood "lobster style".

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

I would keep using whatever is on there currently. If you want to change the paint then I would remove what you have on there first..

YD.

 

[emoney]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

It's not going to "hurt" anything, just needs a little more maintained, i.e. might need reapplied every so many years, based on use. Like the good Dr. says, make sure you scrape/sand off the old before you reapply the new because otherwise you might encounter a bonding issue.

As to the difference between cold water salt and warm water salt, I don't think there is any. However, freezing temps and hot temps cause contraction/expansion differently, of course. The sun exposure to the topside of the boat would be affected a little differently as well. But, when it comes to salinity, that's the same and all based on content. Beautiful country you've got up there. I don't wanna live there, but sure do want to visit.

 

[GaryAK]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

[BWT]

Re: Ablative bottom paint on a trailer boat

I guess for the time being I would just use what's on there. Thinking down the road with a trailer-able boat I would probably lean more towards a modified epoxy type paint (a hard coating) so that you're not losing paint everytime you launch. When that time comes, make sure every bit of the ablative is removed, sand with 80 grit and solvent wash otherwise you won't get a good bond. The more you use it now (providing you don't touch up the paint) the less removal and cleaning you'll have to do down the road.