Bottom Paint

patrick and linda · Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject:

that's correct. that's why all prudent c-dory boat owners will rent or own indoor storage to protect their investment! or, we parked our boat on the lawn, next to the pickup truck that's elevated by concrete blocks and slightly left of the tire flower pots. less stinking grass to cut!
pat

mjsiega · Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject:

Not to hi-jack your thread, but I figure this belongs here as opposed to starting a new thread. I'm looking at a boat that is a 2007 and has never been bottom painted. It was stored in the water during the season (May till October) with monthly haul outs to power wash/acid wash the hull bottom. I would be keeping it the water and would want to bottom paint it, my question is what prep work would be needed for this bottom? The bottom in photos looks to be in good shape. I'd imagine all the mold release wax from the manufacturer is gone by now, does the bottom still need to be sanded? can bottom paint be applied directly in this case? I'd look to add ablative bottom paint. Thanks for any info.

-Mark

matt_unique · Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:59 pm Post subject: Paint

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the club! What vessel do you have?

The wax is long gone if it's a 2007 that has been in the water. You always need to scuff the surface before applying bottom paint. Not a deep sanding at all, literally a few passes with a sand block to scratch the surface a bit, wipe clean, carefully apply your waterline tape (make sure it's high enough to cover your vessel when loaded/fully fueled, etc.) then have at it.

If I were starting with a fresh hull (sans paint), I would invest in the extra insurance and apply a 2 part epoxy bottom coat. This is an added measure to protect against blisters. Once cured, apply your preferred bottom paint. If paint was already applied, I would not bother in our area unless you plan to keep it in the water year round.

thataway · Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject:

Do not assume that all wax and silicones are gone. Even being in the water for 3 to seasons may not have gotten rid of wax or silicones. Also the owner may have used some cleaner wax or silicone product on the bottom. De wax the boat with specific dewaxing solvents--automotive paint supply houses will have these solvents.

It is always prudent to put on a barrier coat of two part epoxy. I would use the International system. Then an ablative paint. I am currently using Petite Vivid--there are others which are good.

NewMoon · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 10:31 am Post subject:

When I decided to bottom paint my 8 year old hull, I chose Pettit Hydrocoat, a water-based (non-nasty) ablative.

Directions were to clean the bottom thoroughly, then use a dewaxing solvent (I believe I used Interlux) to be sure no more wax remains - I had been waxing the bottom.

Apply Pettit's sandless primer (2-3 coats). Drying time needs to be fairly precise, not too short or too long.

Then bottom paint (2-3 coats). Worked like a charm, with no sanding whatever. Four summers in AK on the paint and it looks like it'll go for a good bit more.

mjsiega · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:13 pm Post subject:

No boat yet, but I've heard good stuff about the Pettit Hydrocoat.