Bottom paint rookie

[shaun77]

Just sold my first boat and I've got one eye on another already. It's an '09 Key West 186 DC with bottom paint. I'm only used to seeing bottom paint, in Florida, on larger vessels. What exactly is the purpose of bottom paint and what are some of the advantages? I've read that depending on type of paint used, it needs to be redone every 1-3yrs? I plan on calling around to get some estimates. I trailor my boats so it would not be sitting in water. just wondering the pro's/cons.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bottom paint rookie

if you are not going to leave it in the water, ignore the fact that it has bottom paint. Won't hurt anything; won't show in the water.

For some reason I can't fathom, some people want to spend time and money removing bottom paint b/c of how it looks, on the trailer. A boat is a form of transportation and equipment for recreation, not for decoration! Remove the paint once you hear the fish complain.

 

[shaun77]

Re: Bottom paint rookie

Wouldn't remove it, I think it makes it look sharp. Was more concerned with maintenance, cost and care.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bottom paint rookie

bottom paint is to prevent marine growth on the hull. It has toxic metals and other stuff in it that the marine life does not like to grow on. It is a must if keeping a boat in salt water, and preferred if keeping a boat in fresh water.

If you trailer the boat, then there is little/no need for bottom paint. Once the paint is on there, it is tough to fully remove.

If you keep your boat in salt water, then re-coating is needed every year . . . fresh water, maybe every 2-3 years.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bottom paint rookie

re yearly recoating: depends on the paint and the environment, I get 2, almost 3 seasons out of mine. Nice thing about having it, you can leave the boat in the water for a couple weeks even with old paint (if it's the right kind for that).