bottom paint ?

[lime4x4]

on my 86 searay it was painted black on the bottom.it's in rough shape. It's not smooth anymore.I've been reading and that could be one of my problems why the boat takes so long to plane. Too much drag caused by the bottom paint. The boat will be used in saltwater and fresh water. Mainly freshwater.So should i take off the bottom paint and have it gel coated or should i repaint the bottom with paint again? this is looking like a winter project cause sanding off all the old paint ain't going to be fun or quick...lol

 

[Chris1956]

Re: bottom paint ?

Lime, Bottom paint will cause some drag, but not to the extend you describe. I would think your long time to plane is caused by wet foam in the hull or the motor being out of tune or weak.

You should remove the bottom paint. Use paint stripper for fiberglass and a putty knife. You will htne need to sand the residue. Noe if you do a great job and don't scratch up the gel coat, and it looks good, you can wax it and be done. If not you need to paint it to dress up the finish. If the surface still has bottom paint on it, you should recoat with bottom paint. If no bottom paint is stil on the hull, you can paint it with any below the waterline paint, or bottom paint, your choice.

 

[gcboat]

Re: bottom paint ?

http://www.dumondchemicals.com/smart-strip.htm

That stuff is the cat's meow for bottom paint removal.