Coppering a new boat

[fredda5018]

I'm buying a new 14' fiberglass skiff. A neighbor asked if I am having the bottom coppered and explained to me what it is and why it is necessary. What should be a reasonable price to be done to a new boat? Boat will be kept in the water during summer months. Thanks, Fredda

 

[epresutti]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Fredda5018,<br /><br />If you are talking about bottom paint, I had mine done (when I was keeping it in the water) for about $250.<br /><br />This is also something you can do yourself, on a boat that small you can just "turtle" it and apply the bottom paint. Put it in the water mark the water line (take it back out, let it dry completely, follow the manufacturers instructions) and make sure your bottom paint covers the line.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[fredda5018]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Thanks, Ed, for your timely reply. Appreciate it.

 

[flashback]

Re: Coppering a new boat

putting sheets of copper on the bottom of a wooden boat has been done for 100's of years, but it is not done too often anymore and I have never heard of it being done to a fiberglass boat. first off it would be very expensive and second, there are probably very few folks around that know how..... the bottom paint, on the other hand is a good idea...

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Are you sure you want to "copper". Once you do it there's no turning back and it requires ongoing maintenance, including sanding. I keep my 16' boat in salt water on a mooring every summer for up to two months with no bottom paint. As long as I beach it and scrub it down every two weeks or so for 20 minutes I'm fine. With a 14' boat it won't take you long to scrub it down.

 

[fredda5018]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Thanks, Flashback, for the history lesson. That's just what the neighbor called it, Now I know why. <br /> Dave, It's too late now. Being painted as I type this, probably. Thank you both for your thoughts. Fredd***

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Fredda,<br /> If your using your boat in saltwater,take a look at Multi-season Ablative paints.NO seasonal re-painting,minimal paint buildup,No loss of effectivness(out of water),unlike epoxy.Good paint for trailered boats.If you have epoxy paint on there,try Ablative next year(over epoxy)in a different color.When you see the epoxy paint color showing through,it's time for another coat (touch up) of ablative.I spent about 3 days removing 4 coats of Epoxy bottom paint off my boat.Thats four seasons of Epoxy. Lotsa fun!

 

[fredda5018]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Reel Appeal, I have no idea what ablative paint is. New to this boating, owning thing, you see. Where do you get it and does it need to be removed after so many coats, to start anew? How is it applied? Thanks, Fredd***

 

[DJ]

Re: Coppering a new boat

fredda,<br /><br />If the boatyard is applying copper based paint, be careful and watch the zincs on the engine.<br /><br />If you do not know what "zincs" are, read your new engine owners manual. In a nutshell, the "zincs" protect the engine from corrosion by sacrificing themselves.<br /><br />Beware, copper paint and aluminum engines do not like each other.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Hi Fredda,<br /> Ablative bottom paint is available at West Marine or any other "chain" boating store or a boatyard.Multi-season ablative wears away at a controlled rate(like a bar of soap),therfore eliminating paint build-up.Can be applied over existing bottom paint or a prepared bare hull(sanding,etc.)

 

[fredda5018]

Re: Coppering a new boat

Thanks to all who responded.<br /> Fredda