Another bottom paint implication question

[Roger F]

So...I unexpectedly have use of a mooring this year and a new H240 (never had bottom paint). I have researched and understand that prep, application, and method is very important for maintaining warranty conditions with Hunter- I plan to have it professional done before launch. That brings me to my question...next year, and the year after etc., let's say I do not keep it in the water and just use the trailer. Salt water primarily. Now that bottom will have been painted, will I now have to continue to paint it each year even though it will not be left in water after this first year (as hull now prepped and original gel coat finish painted over)? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tom2909]

No...

however, if you use an ablative paint, it will wear out and the white hull show through over the years. If you use a good multiseason ablative paint, you should get at least two to three seasons before painting again. A little touchup between seasons at the water line and bow may be needed.Chances are, once you are in the water for a season, you won't want to go back to trailer sailing, anyway.Fair winds,Tom

 

[Roger F]

Fair winds to you

I would think that the prep work done to the white hull would have an effect once the ablative paint wears off fully. Is that just aesthetic issue if not repainted and trailered thereafter?I agree, keeping her moored would be nice! I had that last year out of Portsmouth but we are just lucking out with a guest mooring this season. Good to see the sun finally, ey?

 

[Tom2909]

No effect...

I don't think there is any down side. Hunter's recommended process is to get the mold release wax off so the paint will stick, but not sand throught the outer surface of the gel coat. Sanding, apparently, exposes tiny voids that can let water permeate the gel coat and start the blistering process. (I'm recalling from memory what I read about 6 years ago, so might not be right on).The paint will probably wear off more where it touches the trailer (over many years), so the bare spots will not be visible on the trailer or in the water!Fair winds,Tom

 

[Crazy dave condon]

Let the crazy dave expert speak/paint

Here is what works for me for the last 30 years. Clean the hull three times with a dewaxer using many rags. Go get the yellow box of rags for $12 which has 200 form Lowes or someone like that. Dewax the hull three times and use gloves doing the work outside.Use Petit 6999 non sanding primer and be careful. Here is the key. While it is tacky, roll your first coat of paint. If you allow it to dry completely, then the paint will slough off after a year. Use an ablative paint that will be effective if you take it out of the water and sit over the winter and then put it back in. Suggest Miccron CSC or West Marine CCP. Other paints when left exposed to air for over 60 days, the anit fouling properties is no longer effective.Wait at least 8 hours to put on the second coat. Let dry and apply third coat around the water line. You will repeat the process for the block spots or the sling marks.As always, use caution as the paints and dewaxer are not good to your health.