Bottom Paint Application

[nightstalker]

I have a 22' Sunbird walk around cuddy that I am going to keep in a wet slip. The boat will be in the water six months a year and stored on a trailer the other six months. I would like to paint the bottom myself while it's on the trailer do to the high cost of having it done at a marina. I figure I'll bottom paint it every year before I launch it. The bottom already has bottom paint on it, so I'll rough it up and lay on a coat or two. What is the best way to paint under the rollers and bunkers? I have been told to jack up the stern and bow seperately to get at the bottom that rides on the bunkers and rollers or to try to jack the boat port side, then starbord (I think this a little scary). I don't want to take the boat off the trailer and put it on blocks (had a heck of a time trying to do it with my last boat). Any ideas or suggestions?<br />Stalker

 

[lilthundr]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

If your boat trailer has rollers only, like the easy loader trailers, paint as much of the bottom as you can. Then attach the trailer to your vehicle to make sure it does not roll away on you and roll the boat back and paint the rest of the boat. Of course you wait long enough for the paint to dry properly before you move it.<br />If you have bunks, you will need to jack up the rear of the boat to paint the area that was sitting on the bunks. It is not as scary as it sounds. I believe it is easiest and best if you lift the boat in the middle of the back of the boat, directly under the transom.<br />You might want to check out the Interlux paints website for products and drying times. They do have the best products, in my opinion.<br />Good luck.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

My trailer has bunks. I just paint the bottom and go around the bunks. You generally won't get any growth where the unpainted bunk marks are. If you notice you only get growth where day and sun light penatrate the water. Never had any growth on the bottom of the hull. I get green growth on the first few inches from the water line to where it rolls under the boat and on my trim tabs and even get some mussel growth. I don't jack up the boat at all. Also use a long piece of plastic 8-10'x 12" wide to cover the frame and fenders. Slide the plastic as need be so paint does not get on trailer.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

I jack up port and then starboard.Keep in mind you only have to jack it up as high as a roller measures which is not much.Make sure the bow eye is clipped to the trailer and go easy.No problem.charlie

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

Thanks for the help:<br />I'll give it a try by jacking up the rear of the boat beneath the transom with a 5000 lb. jack. Maybe I'll get lucky and won't have to jack up the bow.<br />Stalker

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

When I jack up the stern of the boat, how do I prevent it from leaning starboard to port (some kind of brace)?<br />Stalker

 

[Jamepc]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

A nice trick using the trailer jack is to crank the bow down as far as it will go. Put a couple supports (I use jack stands with protevtive peices of wood on each back corner. Jack the bow back up and when the stearn reaches the supports, it will rise off the trailer.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Bottom Paint Application

Jacking from the stern worked like a charm. Jacked up the port side beneath the transom, painted, let dry, lowered, jacked up the starboard side and did the same. Only had to jack the boat up 3 or 4 inches to expose the bottom the length of the bunkers. Thanks for the tips<br />Stalker