Teflon on hull?

[Glowplug007]

Just heard about this. Ill be keeping my boat slipped at the marina and if teflon could help extend the life and look of the hull i would definitely do this. Opinions?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Teflon on hull?

if you are talking about below the water line, no. You need antifouling paint

 

[tomynoks]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Do you need anti-fouling paint in fresh water??

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Do you need anti-fouling paint in fresh water??

yep.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Do you need anti-fouling paint in fresh water??

Absolutely. With an epoxy barrier coat (primer), especially if your hull doesn't have epoxy resin (doubtful) or vinylester resin (many newer boats do). If it's got just plain ol' polyester resin, you need epoxy barrier coat to prevent blisters and antifouling botom paint to keep the growth from attaching.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Teflon on hull?

here is a little sneaky thing about teflon that you don't often hear... teflon has to be bonded to whatever it is going to be used on in in a fairly complicated (and patented) process. Liquids/sprays/cream/wax that contain teflon do nothing, at least nothing due to the teflon itself.

 

[tomynoks]

Re: Teflon on hull?

My boat is trailered and I have never used bottom paint with no issues. The longest it might be in the water is a week. I can understand the need for it if your boat is constantly in the water, but really, for trailered boats, why would it be necessary?

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Op said he will be keeping his at the marina. Bottom paint will defiantly be necessary.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Teflon on hull?

My boat is trailered and I have never used bottom paint with no issues. The longest it might be in the water is a week. I can understand the need for it if your boat is constantly in the water, but really, for trailered boats, why would it be necessary?

It's not. You weren't specific enough with your question.

 

[Glowplug007]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Ok, so I need anti fouling paint? My boat is brand new, does this mean I need to paint over the factory paint job? Or is anti fouling paint a clear coat kinda thing? is this a backyard project or something I can pay someone to do? Any ideas on cost? I plan to pull the boat out for cleaning and waxing a few times a season but sitting in a lake for months cant be good. Just want to take any preventive maintenece steps I can to keep the green ring away as long as possible!

 

[shrew]

Re: Teflon on hull?

you only need to paing anti-fouling bottom paint from the waterline down. Is there a factory paint job below the waterline? You will need to sand the gel coat to prepare it before painting. Then remove all of the dust. Putting a few coats of barrier coat is recommended, then a few coats of bottom paint. Decide on a manufacturer then follow that manufacturer's preparation and application instructions. I like to use the barrier coat recommended by the paint manufacturer. You can do the project yourself. It can be time consumming.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Ok, so I need anti fouling paint? My boat is brand new, does this mean I need to paint over the factory paint job? Or is anti fouling paint a clear coat kinda thing? is this a backyard project or something I can pay someone to do? Any ideas on cost? I plan to pull the boat out for cleaning and waxing a few times a season but sitting in a lake for months cant be good. Just want to take any preventive maintenece steps I can to keep the green ring away as long as possible!

Yes you sand, prime, then paint, over your beautiful new boat finish.

No, it is not clear. Often black or dark blue, or reddish brown.

Seen it cost from $100 to $2000, depending on the boat.

And it has to be redone periodically.

You are going to have a scum line.

 

[Glowplug007]

Re: Teflon on hull?

well if u have remove the factory finish, re apply periodically and it doesn't help keep off a scum line, what the heck is the point?! Seems pointless!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Teflon on hull?

Because marine growth is much worse than a scum line.

This is an extreme example but it's legit nonetheless

 

[Glowplug007]

Re: Teflon on hull?

That is disgusting! Hard to believe anything could stop that! However I have a lake boat so its probably not worth it then right?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Teflon on hull?

If you have the ability to pull it periodically and power wash the bottom, you could probably get away without it. It's different in every body of water. Basically, see what others in your marina are doing and that's what you'll have to do.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Teflon on hull?

That is disgusting! Hard to believe anything could stop that! However I have a lake boat so its probably not worth it then right?

WRONG. It all depends on the amount of growth. The Illinois River promotes bottom growth so bad, you would need to take it out every week to power wash it.

The dangers of having an unpainted bottom on a boat that stays in the water are:
1) Blisters due to water penetration into the gelcoat (Gelcoat is NOT waterproof)
2) Reduced speed
3) Increased fuel consumption
4) Engine damage from "lugging" the engine due to a fouled bottom. Specifically deforming valves and burning pistons. (Don't ask me how I know about the valves)

ez has the right idea, see what others are doing, and then follow suit.