Anti-Fouling Advice

[CAPTDICK]

I'm doing the bottom on my sailboat for the first time. It was coated with anti-fouling two years ago, but I don't know what kind. Based on research, I'm thinking about Trinidad SR. It says it will overcoat "hard" anti-fouling paints, but soft paints must be stripped. How can I tell if I have "hard" paint?

 

[Ron]

Trinidad SR

I used Trinidad SR on my hull this year with good results. The coating looks good enough for one more year. It is an ablative paint, so try not rubbing it with anything (my hand came out "Trinidad Blue" from leaning on the hull). Pay attention to the max drying time before launch (60 days) -- the boat should be in the water within that time period.Pettit Paint Co. has a paint guide which should help sort out the compatibility issues between Trinidad SR and whatever bottom paint you previously used (hope you know what it was!).West Marine has an "Advisor" on antifouling bottom paints that might be helpful, too. It includes a chart on old/new paint compatibility.--Ron

 

[MJ]

Trinidad SR

Actually, Trinidad SR is a modified epoxy based paint or a "hard" paint, it is not ablative. According to West Marine you should be able to cover any soft paint with Trinidad with a "heavy sanding". I have heard that hard paints are best for boats which never get stored out of the water or for racers. The soft paints (ablative and sloughing)have a texture and can be rubbed off. The hard paints are much smoother and harder. If you are worried about the old paint, I would scrape off the old with a sharp hook scraper and apply the new.