Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

Black Snow Slide

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
276
I have an ablative black paint on my Monterey from when it was in a slip full time. My boat is back onto the trailer and will continue being a trailer boat till she is gone. I do rent a slip for a month here and there. I am wanting to repaint to a white ablative because I so dislike the black.

My dealer is saying that trilux33 is the way to go. I read on the website and found nothing about it being suitable for trailer application. I have read some about Pettit and was thinking it's a better choice. Need help as they are starting on Tuesday.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

Ayuh,... Trailer boats don't get bottom painted, so why would a manufacturer suggest their paint is good for trailer boats...

Generally speakin', No bottom paint holds up very well to the abuse of regular trailering...
As bottom paint is supposed to wear Off...
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

There are some racing antifouling paints that are harder. You will need to remove all the current paint as the coating can only be as hard as the softest layer, which is your ablative.

I only know of one company who makes a "Shark White" colored anti fouling paint. They are a national brang, but forget which company.

Since you will be in the water for a month, you will likely need some AF paint, unless the water is real cold. Why not pick up some black inexpensive multi-year ablative paint and touch her up before using the slip, and whenever she looks rough?
 

Black Snow Slide

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
276
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

It was bottom painted black 3 years ago when she was in a slip for the summer. I am back on the trailer and have been for two years. The black paint just looks horrible. Even when the paint was new I hated thee look.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

It was bottom painted black 3 years ago when she was in a slip for the summer. I am back on the trailer and have been for two years. The black paint just looks horrible. Even when the paint was new I hated thee look.

Ayuh,... I guess the point is, ya gotta remove it, before you have any other options...
 

Dave Abrahamson

Lieutenant
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
1,497
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

I'm curious as to what you find out because I am in the same boat (so to speak).
I would love to remove the paint entirely and have a nice smooth gelcoat finish again like when new but the previous owner bottom painted her and I'm sure sanded it down with at least 80 grit before paint. I don't know if that will buff out ;)
Does hard smooth (gloss) bottom paint exist for us trailer boaters?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

Does hard smooth (gloss) bottom paint exist for us trailer boaters?

Ayuh,.... I've used plain ole Rustoleum industrial enamel on several of 'em, includin' dock queens...
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

I agree.. what BP do you have on there now ..

Trilux 33 is mainly for drives and tinnies ..

Trilux is Interlux
White Pettit is probably Vivid white BP ..

Compatibility issues are your main concern.

You should strip your hull/bottom down to substrate before you choose any coatings that will last..

or ... just slap on some white BP or your choice and call it good for the season ..its up to you ..

YD.
 
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
1,179
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

don't think just because of the age of the paint it's no good. i have 4 year old paint on my sailboat and that stay in the water all year and i still have no growth.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Bottom paint for trailer boat. Help

some trailer boats should be painted if they might be moored for 2 weeks at a time. You need to research the paint to find ones that can handle drying out completely then being wet again; some paints, once they dry, are no longer effective.
OTOH if it's a cosmetic concern and you don't need bottom paint, after everything I've read here, just paint over it. removnig the old paint is a huge pain and expense.
or decide it doesn't matter; it's the bottom of a boat. Wait until the fish complain.
 
Top