Barrier Coat - Bottom Job

[Allen]

After years of bottom paint buildup, I have taken the last 4 weekends and scraped the hull down to the gelcoat. I can assure you that this is going to be the last time I ever do this (because it's a pain in the neck & also because I'm going to use ablative co-polymer from now on). Now that the bottom is clean, I'm wondering if I should go the extra step & use interlux 2000E barrier coat. I've been told that it will help to eliminate blisters. I've also been told that older boats are much less likely to form blisters, if they haven't already occurred. Since I have a 1977 boat with an absolutley flawless bottom, what do ya think? Should I do it? It seems like a lot more work, but now that the bottom's clean this might be a good opportunity.Thanks in advance,Allen Schweitzers/v DrambuieC-30 Hull 632

 

[Charlie on]

Barrier Coat

Allen,I went thru the same thing last year and after talking to as many knowlegable people as i could most of them came the the conclusion that after doing all that work to get to the gelcoat it would be foolish not to add barrier coat both for the protection and added value if you decide to sell. I used the Interlux 2000E. you really can make the time schedule and get it done in one weekend without sanding between coats. I did 5 coats from early Saturday to late Sunday.Good Luck

 

[Christine]

Barrier Coat

If you have the bottom clean, seriously consider the barrier coat. It only takes a short amount of time, and we just lightly sanded between coats. We put 5 coats on our boat, and she looks great. Then the ablative. Looks like a new boat.

 

[Allen]

To Charlie & Christine:

I see that you both put on 5 coats. I use about 1.5 gallons of bottom paint for 2 coats...does that mean you needed about 4.5 gallons of barrier coat? Were there any other supplies you needed to buy?Thanks,Allen

 

[Charlie on "Kestrel"]

more on barrier coat

Allen, Go to your local West MArine store. I picked up an Interlux pamphlet that really explained the what and why of barrier coat. I used Interlux 2000E. They said is was easier to use. Its a two part epoxy and really does go on easy like paint.Good luck