Bottom Paint?

S

smittypaddler

New member
I have my C-Dory on blocks with half the old bottom paint stripped off, the rest to go today. The paint was old, so there were some large areas without any paint at all before I started stripping. There was no sign of marine growth anywhere, so I'm wondering if I really need new paint. Except for 2 months in a slip on the St Johns River in Florida every winter, my C-Dory is stored on its trailer, only hitting the water for water skiing, and adventures of a week or so in Door County, Mississippi River, etc. Also, I like the look without bottom paint, and I think it would be one less thing to maintain. What's the consensus? How many bottom paint, how many don't, and what are your reasons?
 
If you can do with out it don't put it on. It adds weight, slows the boat down, does not help fuel consumption, costs a lot of money. We keep our bottom waxed and have the boat in the water in Florida for up to a month and just have it power washed before we head home. Our boat stays on the trailer in our driveway when we are not using it.
If I kept a boat in the water I would have an epoxy barrier coat applied and then use bottom paint that was recommended for the given area I was boating. Just my opinion here.
D.D.
 
Hi,

I have a c-dory 25 which I have had the boat yard paint every spring for the last three years. She is in a wet slip most of the year and I find it helps keep marine growth at bay, however I think she is getting a little heavy from all the past coats of bottom paint. What are you using to strip the old bottom paint? I am a fan of bottom paint anytime the boat is in the water for ANY extended period. Your two months in the water would qualify for "extended period" in my book. Just my opinion, however I could be wrong!
 
Some bottom paints need to be in the water most of the time to maintain effectiveness. If your boat spends most of its time on a trailer be sure you get the right kind of paint.

As long as you have a method that keeps the bottom of your boat as clean as you want it without paint, I think you are better off without it.
 
The problem is that you currently have half the paint off and half not...You are going to have to smooth out the hull and put something on it. Going back to gel coat is not a good option. (Have to remove all of the old bottom paint, and often the bottom has been sanded and hard to get the paint of of the scratches.

I like Petit Vivid. It is multi seasonal, soft, so it goes over other paints. I had it almost 4 years on the Caracal, and just this winter in the Keys over 2 months it got growth (but I could not use the boat much).

Either Vivid or Micron would be good for your area. The Vivid has nice colors or white if you want. You should get at least 4 years on it with your use.

Yes, it adds a little weight--but only a few pounds for a single coat. The paint can be burnished if you are really worried about speed. I raced sailboats for many years with bottom paint, and the difference in speed is more about if the bottom is clean. For a boat like the C Dory there will be probably less than 1 mph top speed loss with good smooth bottom paint.
For me it is worth it.

You may get away with 2 months, if the bottom in clean and no places for growth to establish in the cool fresh water.
 
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