To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

[fishthebay]

Hello:<br /><br />I have a 17' Proline 1973 Fiberglass boat that has never had bottom paint on it.<br /><br />I live in Virginia Beach, VA and keep the boat in the water during the summer months 2-3 weeks at a time. I then take the boat out and power wash the hull and put it back in.<br /><br />This area is pretty heavy fouling saltwater and I do get some barnicle activity, but it takes about $3.00 at the car wash every few weeks.<br /><br />Do you recommend that I paint this hull with bottom paint or keep doing what I am doing?<br /><br />I did buy an anti-fouling marine wax last year that actually slows the process of growth. Not like bottom paint would, but decent.<br /><br />Suggestions????

 

[Hooty]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

I think Hooty would probably keep on doin' what you're doin'. Bottom paintin' iz a real pain in the as* as well as the ole wallet.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[suzukidave]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

I agree with Hooty. My boat is on a mooring 2-3 months a summer. It's never had bottom paint. I beach it and scrub it with a nylon scouring pad every 2-3 weeks -- takes half an hour. By the end of the summer I'm losing the struggle but it still beats the he double hockey sticks out of paint. Skip the paint until you absolutely have to. Once you paint there's no turning back. Also, if your hull is in good shape paint will hurt you if you ever sell. People are suspicious of what's udner there.

 

[screenbuzz]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

i would suggest investing in a presure washer fishthebay. you can pick up a 2300 psi at Home Depot for around $239.00. saves you many trips to the car wash and is cheaper than paint.

 

[DJ]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

Agree with all on the paint. Once you paint it, you're committed for LIFE!

 

[oldboat1]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

I agree with all of the above. BUT, if you do decide to paint, keep in mind you can use white bottom paint to match a white hull. If aesthetics are a concern, that is a way around. I would think that you are a candidate for bottom painting, nasty as it is, if you are getting barnacle growth.

 

[dwarrick]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

Be aware though if you use a white bottom paint they only last for a year and are not designed to be hauled and launched. They also make a clear spray on antifouling coating that wears it's self off after about 6 months and you do not have to sand the bottom first. Unless you keep the boat in the water 6 months or more out of the year I wouldn't bottom paint it.

 

[crab bait]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

check out " F Y I west marine SEASLIDE "..

 

[smalloutboardsarecool]

Re: To bottom paint or not to bottom paint?

tell me about this spray on stuff? I aways paint by boat.....