Bottom Paints

[dmarkvid2]

I have seen many different types of bottom paint. My boat is in a slip on a river (fresh water) and once in a while I go out to the ocean. Are there any recomendations on which paint I should use? And also how many gallons would it take to the bottom of a 29' deep V, with a 9' beam? And do I need to scrape the bottom first? Thanks

 

[alden135]

Re: Bottom Paints

If you go to interlux.com you will find a lot of good info.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bottom Paints

West Marine also has a very thorough painting section at their website.

www.westmarine.com

You should be looking at ":ablative" type paints.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Bottom Paints

There are so many different kinds I see on the websites, But I'm tring to find the paint that is right for my needs. They really don't tell me whats right for my boat. They do however give the costs, WOW! Why should I pay 160.00 a Gal. when all I need is a couple of Gallons at 60.00 a Gal. My boat Is fiberglass, in basicly fresh water 80% of the time..... SOOOOO which one do I want???

 

[stevieray]

Re: Bottom Paints

dmark - is there paint on there now? If so, do you know what type? Answer those 2 & I can get you going in the right direction.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Bottom Paints

Yes stevierray, there is. But I bought the boat this past July, and the paint was starting to ware off. I left it the way it was because it was getting late in the season, and I figured I wouldn't repaint till the spring. I am thinking ahead. Its charcoal in color, thats all I know. My boat has been kept in the Ct, River, fresh water. When they hauled the boat out, there was no growth on the bottom. I guess my question is, is there a difference in bottom paint when it is in fresh water or salt water? And do all the paints do the same job? How many Gal. do I need to cover 29' x 9' bottom?

 

[stevieray]

Re: Bottom Paints

Does the paint that's still on there look kind of like it's wearing off pretty evenly or is it cracking & peeling off? If it's wearing evenly, it's most likely an ablative type. I use Interlux Micron CSC in the upper Chesapeake Bay & it is also mostly fresh where I am. Ablative paints can last for 2 seasons & they are not affected by pulling out for winter storage. There are "hard" paints that are no good for winter - they need to be put on in spring right before it goes back in. Hard paints will usually crack & peel as they get older & not wear down fairly even like an ablative. Clean it up real good & put on 2 thin coats & you should do your 29 with 1 gallon of the CSC. It is one of the more expensive paints, but it works good so it's worth it. You can shop online & get it for about 135 a gal.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bottom Paints

Yes stevierray, there is. But I bought the boat this past July, and the paint was starting to ware off. I left it the way it was because it was getting late in the season, and I figured I wouldn't repaint till the spring. I am thinking ahead. Its charcoal in color, thats all I know. My boat has been kept in the Ct, River, fresh water. When they hauled the boat out, there was no growth on the bottom. I guess my question is, is there a difference in bottom paint when it is in fresh water or salt water? And do all the paints do the same job? How many Gal. do I need to cover 29' x 9' bottom?

It looks like it is wearing off because it is supposed to. That is what "ablative" means. Ablative paints slough off a little at a time so that growth can't get a foothold.

Growth can be just as bad, or worse, in freshwater.

$60.00/gal. paint will give you $60.00/gallon protection-basically none. Ablative bottom paints are NOT cheap.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Bottom Paints

Take a water soaked rag, and rub the paint. Turn black? Its Ablative paint. If so, just catch West Marine in the spring for the always few bucks or so off on paint. 60 paint on sale for 45 I think, Get 2 gallons. hould cover a 29 if you already have paint on it. I just use the regular "BottomSheild" Ablative on my 25 footer., and slap on more every year or 2. Roll it on and be done with it. IF you don't get a black rag, ya got something else.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bottom Paints

Dmark, Do you even need bottom paint? Sometimes in fresh and brackish water there is no marine growth to worry about. You should check with the marina. BTW, you only need to worry about bottom paint for the place you keep the boat. Those trips to the ocean will have no effect, unless you stay 2 weeks or more.

If you need bottom paint, roll on two coats of West Marine or BoatUS Ablative paint. These are made by the Interlux or Pettit, but cost a bit less, and last multi years. Tape the waterline with masking tape, and use a brush to get a clean paint edge. Use disposable (cheep) rollers and tray liners, and use a power mixer for your drill, to mix the paint. The marine store should give you a good idea on how much paint you will need. (I think 2-3 gal, but it's just a guess, you can return unused gallons, and save the rest for next year's touch up of trim tabs, keel and other areas.)

 

[bosavy]

Re: Bottom Paints

well i got the same situation i bought the boat from vermont [a 27 foot rinker] i debating to do it i keep mine in a river but i counstantly go out to the ocean.Dmarkvida2 about a half hour ride from you there's a place called Defender ; i believe it's in Stonnington they have specials on paint and other things boat realeted or look up defender . com