bottom coat for aluminum

[swimmin' for shore]

Did some searching. Just doing some brainstorming, I guess, but I can't seem to find any type of bottom coating for aluminum. I was just looking at the nice new paint job yesterday, thinking that it isn't going to be so pretty when I get back from the very first trip. It's just the nature of a little aluminum boat to get beat to death. I was thinking, though, that there ought to be some type of...Rhino liner type stuff...that would be good for the bottom side of the boat. Then, it wouldn't scar that brand new paint job when you beach it. Anyone know of a product, or have any thoughts on what would and/or wouldn't work? Thanks.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: bottom coat for aluminum

By the way, in case it's the first suggestion, I already thought of a keel guard. Seems kind of expensive for a free boat. I already had a fit about the price of oars.

 

[ED21]

Re: bottom coat for aluminum

Then have you ever priced Rhino liner? Not particuarly cheap.

 

[goldhunter_2]

Re: bottom coat for aluminum

well if its a free boat why are you worried about scacthing the bottom and yes the keel gruad was my first sugestion <br /><br />no paint will stop the scratches form you beaching the boat but there are certain ways to paint a alum boat. I always use the zinc-crominite primer (not sure if that is spelled correctly) it is designed for alum and has held up well on my duck boats then I can use basicly any type of colored paint I want and it holds. the other and I have not tried ths one personally is that epoxey paint/primer I hear it holds really well I may try that when I finish building this years boat

 

[gewf631]

Re: bottom coat for aluminum

The places that spray Rhinoliner (or other similar materials), can spray to a gloss. There'd be the weight addition, the cost, and the problem of getting them the boat to spray.<br /><br />Or, since you really shouldn't see the part that's in the water, you can just let it go, and touch-up as necessary!

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: bottom coat for aluminum

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Ed, where are you from? My girlfriend is from Streamwood/Elgin. Going back there myself when my time in the Navy is up. <br />I did take a look at the rhino liner. You're right about it being a free boat and not being such a big deal. I agree with that, but on the other hand, I'm concerned with keeping at least some paint on there because it's a saltwater boat, at least part of the time. Maybe you're right and that it doesn't matter. I'm just learning, more than anything. I bought a sprayer and this is the first time I've sprayed a boat, too. Good learning experiences for more exacting work in the future. Any more suggestions are always welcome.