Bottom paint

[RWSlater]

So the Pettit bottom paint instructions say the OAT should be at least 50° "for best results". Is that pertaining to drying time or other things? What if it's 40-45°, does it just take longer to dry or will it not adhere properly or something? Will it be wasted work if it's not at least 50°? Getting ready for 10-18" of snow here in PA.

 

[capta]

I'd err on the side of a minimum application AND drying temp on this one at the price of bottom paint these days.

 

[RWSlater]

Well I hope it warms up to 50° in early April. I have to launch to boat on around the 22nd.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I go through the same thing every year, as we launch in early April. I've cut it close to the limit, sometimes painting while the keel was likely still below 50, but always tried to get days when the high was 55. I did call Pettit last year and they didn't say there was any margin for play in the minimum. Although the guy on the phone may have been giving a conservative answer just based on the printed instructions.

 

[RWSlater]

I go through the same thing every year, as we launch in early April. I've cut it close to the limit, sometimes painting while the keel was likely still below 50, but always tried to get days when the high was 55. I did call Pettit last year and they didn't say there was any margin for play in the minimum. Although the guy on the phone may have been giving a conservative answer just based on the printed instructions.

Thanks good info.

 

[agprice22]

I would wait... adhesion is nothing to fool with.

 

[shemandr]

In NY staying above 50 degrees overnight may not happen until June. Or this year, February. If it's warm, it will probably be wet. There are only a few dozen days which are ideal for painting. Wouldn't it be great if we all had an indoor climate controlled shop. Sometimes that's the difference between a professional job and a DIY'er.

 

[RWSlater]

Yes that would be great to have one. Normally I'd be doing this in Florida in the summer, and next time I will for sure. It must be frustrating (or expensive having it done inside) having a boat in Canada and having to do a spring painting.

 

[agprice22]

I agree... April teases... been outside trying to work, cutting on my table saw in April when a snow squall passed! Ugh!
You can get it ready. Then paint it right before launch. Bottom touch up is a late, big pre-launch task.

 

[1mcarlson]

I have a real BOTTOM PAINT PROBLEM! I just purchased a Hunter 42 that I plan on living on and have to have it launched in 2 weeks in Lake Michigan. The IDIOT I bought it from bottom painted it with Glidden GRIPPER primer/sealer tinted blue. Of course I found this out RIGHT AFTER CLOSING ON THE BOAT. The temps up here doesn't look like they will be above 50 and stay long enough before I launch. So crossing fingers the paint stays on for one season before I have to sand it all off next Fall

 

[agprice22]

Eek... clearly you did not ask that all-important question, "did you use Glidden Gripper for this bottom?"
The things people do! Ugh!
I had a PO use filler to fill a crack, but he didn't know about hardener.... so it stayed putty.

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Hi Sailors, I've got an old 1976 Catalina 22 that had about 6 coats of epoxy on the bottom(maybe Interprotect 2000E). I was told not to leave it in the water for more than about 5 days. Can anyone tell me what paint to use on the hull so that I can leave it in the water?

 

[RWSlater]

Yikes you two guys have my sympathy. I guess I'm not in too off since I only have to wait for it to get warm(er). I'm paining over Pettit with Pettit and it's kind of just to get me to next summer when I will have it hauled and done completely in MUCH warmer conditions. Wow, Glidden Gripper. {{Shaking my head}} "Idiot" doesn't do him justice ... from the Glidden site...You can apply Gripper white primer to a wide range of painted or unpainted surfaces, including tile, wallpaper, paneling, plastic and wood laminates, drywall and plaster. I don't see boat bottoms listed there

 

[fstbttms]

Hi Sailors, I've got an old 1976 Catalina 22 that had about 6 coats of epoxy on the bottom(maybe Interprotect 2000E). I was told not to leave it in the water for more than about 5 days. Can anyone tell me what paint to use on the hull so that I can leave it in the water?

Give these guys a call. Very experienced hull cleaners who can recommend an appropriate anti fouling paint for your location. Tell 'em Matt from FastBottoms sent ya:

DEEP SOUTH DIVERS
(843) 252-4500
Divers@DeepSouthDivers.org.

 

[Ned Ludd]

You could tent the bottom with heavy plastic sheeting and rent a propane salamander heater. If you only need 10-15 degrees no problem.

 

[1mcarlson]

My problem is I DONT HAVE A CHOICE but to launch with this damn paint on it and hope for making it one season.

 

[Gunni]

So you pick up some growth and z mussels this season, when you have the hull blasted this fall it will all come off, growth AND bathroom paint. Let it dry over the winter, seal and bottom paint it in the spring.

 

[Joe]

I have a real BOTTOM PAINT PROBLEM! I just purchased a Hunter 42 that I plan on living on and have to have it launched in 2 weeks in Lake Michigan. The IDIOT I bought it from bottom painted it with Glidden GRIPPER primer/sealer tinted blue. Of course I found this out RIGHT AFTER CLOSING ON THE BOAT. The temps up here doesn't look like they will be above 50 and stay long enough before I launch. So crossing fingers the paint stays on for one season before I have to sand it all off next Fall

Just wait till it warms up, then haul it out, paint it, and drop it back in the water... that's what we do out here...cause the boat's in the water year round. A month or so in really cold water isn't going to hurt anything.

 

[Jumpstart]

Glidden Gripper is a primer not a topcoat and intended mostly for consumer uses (read, a low end primer). It will not stay adhered with long term water immersion. What's underneath it? Gelcoat? Good news is that it will probably come off on its own after being in the water for a while. Bad news is that it provides no protection. What was the guy thinking? For the record, primers are high in resin but low in other properties. They are not the same as paint. Nothing you can buy at Home Depot should go on the bottom of your boat or your own bottom for that matter.

You need to pay attention to minimum application temps. The minimum temp is not only the air temp but also the surface temp. They set these minimums for a reason. Below a certain temperature the chemical reaction that cures the paint is inhibited causing the paint to not attain its full properties and ultimately fail. Tenting is one solution. Additionally, heating the surface with a heat gun can help a little.

 

[1mcarlson]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will put it in the water (really don't have choice). Hopefully it will last few months until I get the boat back down to my home port. Then keep an eye on it and hopefully catch it as it loosens up and yank boat out and sand any that hasn't already fallen off. By then the temps should be in the 70s and job will go fast.