Painting the bottom of Aluminum boat

[goodoleLund]

I have a 1976 16 foot Lund Pike boat that I am refinishing. I wold like to paint the whole thing red but have been chastised by many because they feel the paint will just chip off the bottom and start looking bad within a few months. How well does good paint hold up on the bottom of a boat? Would I be better off just leaving it the way it is and repaint the top portion of the boat? I am willing to do it right and spend the money if it will last. Hopefully someone can clue me on whats up. currently it is just your average two-tone Lund. Red on top and aluminum on the bottom.<br />Thanks in Advance.

 

[geomarq]

Re: Painting the bottom of Aluminum boat

I painted the hull of my aluminum hull last year with a paint from Interlux called Trilux - it's specially designed for aluminum hulls. I was reluctant because it's expensive, but it's well worth the price. It dries and bonds into a very good protective coating that lasts.

 

[DJ]

Re: Painting the bottom of Aluminum boat

goodolelund,<br /><br />Sure it will stick, not if you hit somethinng hard though-(rocks).<br /><br />Here are the pic's of the boat I just completed-Aluminum Sea Nymph. <br /> http://mypeoplepc.com/members/djohns19/djohns19/ <br /><br />The steps I took are as follows:<br /><br />1. Sand the entire area with 120 grit wet sand paper.<br /><br />2. Wash the entire area with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.<br /><br />3. Prime with zinc chromate primer.<br /><br />4. Apply top (finish) coat.<br /><br />I used Interlux "Brightside" one part epoxy topcoat, and put on two coats with a wet sanding in between with 120 grit paper.<br /><br />The one part epoxy dries very hard and gave a great shine.<br /><br />I will say this though, Lunds are known for their "bare bottoms".

 

[Bondo]

Re: Painting the bottom of Aluminum boat

Yep, Just like djohns says.... Only I topped out with Rustolium.... Been over 4 seasons.... I touch up the Rock scrapes once a year.... Still looks New.....