Fiberglass boat in saltwater????

[jacobmorin]

I am going to be putting my 15' fiberglass boat in saltwater for the season this year. I have been advised to use bottom paint on my boat. Can anyone point me in the right direction for:

1) a good brand?
2) should I use a brush or roller?
3) How many coats do I need if this is the first bottom paint the boat has seen?
4) Should I wax, use rubbing compound, or sand the boat before I apply the paint?
5) How many times should a boat be painted in a season or should it be done every couple of years. Please remember that I will have it in salt water in NJ.

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fiberglass boat in saltwater????

follow the directions of each manuf. google them, and search out instructions. the best thing you can do in salt water is use it alot.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Fiberglass boat in saltwater????

jacob, are you Keeping the boat in the water ? or just launching it for the day ?

IF you do plan on leaving it in the water..then I suggest you use an Interlux product called Interprotect 2000. Its a barrier coating system that will prevent blistering and such..

After you Interprotect then use Interlux's VC17 IMO.. its thin and you only have to put one coat on a year..with minimal prep. ( proper prep for Interprotect is 80g paper )

You can coat right over Interprotect with VC within its window .. without having to sand..

YD

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass boat in saltwater????

If it is a fairly new boat and on a trailer at the end of a day...... use nothing.

If you intend to dock it or leave it floating for the summer follow up whatever paint you use with a good monitoring of the bottom. Look for growth and claen as needed. If you want to use paint follow the directions.