Bottom paint -- question

[rsbeck]

Just bought a boat. The boat is new, but has been in salt water for three months for test drives. During the sale, the salesman kept saying he would take the boat out of the water, do the 20 hour service, and put fresh anti-fouling paint on the hull. Now,<br />he has suddenly changed his tune and is saying since the boat has only been in the water for three months -- it has 20 hours on the outboards -- it only needs a high pressure cleaning and won't need new bottom paint for another two years. Is this guy hosing me, or is he telling the truth? Should I demand the fresh bottom paint -- especially since he promised it several times --<br />or would it be reasonable to just let him give it a high pressure wash, rather than press the issue? Would I be unreasonable if I pressed the issue? I'm at a loss to understand why he promised the fresh bottom paint in the first place if fresh bottom paint after three months is unreasonable. I am new to salt-water boat ownership, bottom paint issues, etc. Would appreciate input from the more experienced members on this board. Thanks!

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Bottom paint -- question

If the hull is unpainted now, the pressure washing should clean it fine down to the gelcoat. If it already has an anti-fouling bottom paint on it, that should last another year or two, depending on the brand of paint and the number of coats applied. Do you plan to keep your boat in the water or on a trailer? If the former, you will need the anti-fouling paint protection, otherwise you will not. Sounds like the salesman is trying to save some money, but where you plan to keep your boat and the current status of the hull could help you to decide how much you may want to battle the guy. Good luck.

 

[rsbeck]

Re: Bottom paint -- question

The hull was painted before he put it in the water three months ago. I plan to keep it in the water.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Bottom paint -- question

As was already stated, bottom coating should be good for about 2-years on a boat that is left in the water with occasional use. Used to be good for 3+ years but that is another story.<br /><br />I would go back to the dealer and tell him he owes me the bottom coat he promised but “he” would have to be stupid to suggest putting the coating on now. He can either pay me the cost of a bottom coat now or he can give me a written I.O.U. and I’ll come back in two years. I would not accept an I.O.U. for the cost of the bottom coating…I would demand something in writing that says I am entitled to a haul-out and bottom coating (can’t bottom coat without a haul-out)…just as I was promised. The cost of a haul-out and bottom coat is enough to pursue this issue right into small claims court if I had to.