Another bottom paint question

[raevin51]

Boats that are moored should be bottom painted, but I have noticed that there seems to be a trend in my area ( Long Island )to use bottom paint on boats that are always trailered and not kept in the water.. Is this common practice or is it more of a cosmetic thing.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Another bottom paint question

I wouldn't consider bottom paint cosmetic unless it's hiding a damaged hull or something. Many people may just bottom coat 'just in case' they leave it in, or simply don't realize that they don't need it.

I prefer not to have any bottom coat on my boats, unless it was previously sanded and painted, then I'll keep it painted. Bottom coating is sacrificial, so it dissipates with time. Once you sand and bottom paint, then it pretty much must be kept up from that time on unless removed and the sanded hull is repaired or refinished.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Another bottom paint question

That all depends on what type of paint was applied...The only type that can be out of water for any length of time are Controlled Solubility Copolymers,all the others - Ablative / hard antifoul / polishing copolymers all require repainting once exposed to air for any length of time....If in doubt,repaint.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Another bottom paint question

A lot of ablative paints are multi season. You are suspposed to powerwash them prior to use to expose fresh paint.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Another bottom paint question

A lot of ablative paints are multi season. You are suspposed to powerwash them prior to use to expose fresh paint.

Well...sort of, the only "type" or mix of bottom paint thats multi seasonal is Controlled Depletion Polymers,this type has a biocide mixed in..it's only active when in contact with water,so if you take off the top layer and splash the boat its active again,but pressure washing strips alot off,and if you only applied 2 coats...well..you just lost 1 coat. Letting the paint wear off via water "friction" you will gain more lifespan.