Barrier coat...or not.

[Bob]

OK, here are the details. I have a 1987 285, which I've owner for almost three years. I have, since I've owned the boat, sanded off the existing bottom paint and applied three coats of bottm paint (one red and last two blue). Had some paint chipping off last year but most of it was OK. So I just roughed up the chipped areas (after removing the chips) and then painted the entire hull with two more coats.This year, after haul out, there was more chipping paint. I'm thinking of having the yard sand the hull down to the gel coat. (I've sanded myself before and don't want to do it again. If you've ever done it you know what I mean.) Then I want to apply two or three coat of barrier paint. Then three coats of bottom paint.Sound like a good way to go? Let me know what you think or have done in a similar situation. I've attached a photo of the chipping pain on the hull.

 

[Steve Dion]

Why so much paint?

Bob:Why are you using so much paint? What do you think it is going to do for you? Bottom paint is for nothing more that prevent sea growth and slime. From the look of your bottom, I would just do a light sanding before you splash it and maybe apply some paint to your chip spots.You should be using ablative paint, which is meant to slough off. If you scrub the bottom once a month or so while it is in the water, this should keep the paint active.I would not paint it again until you see some creatures making a nest for themselves and some of their million friends.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Paint flaking.

It appears your first coat ever was put over unprepped gelcoat. If like a lot of new boats it came off the trailer and a coat of bottom-paint was slapped on that could explain the flaking. The mold-release chemicals were probably still in the gelcoat.I would apply a barrier-coat only because it is not that expensive and provides piece of mind. If you do not have blisters already then a barrier-coat really is not necessary.I agree with Steve, way too much paint. I use a hard paint and can go three years with no noticeable change in appearance. I do a light touch up from the waterline to about three feet down.Sanding down to bare gelcoat is expensive to have someone else do it. Rent a big vacuum sander and the job is not that bad. Use a broad bladed scraper first. If it is flaking that badly in may come off in big sheets.

 

[scott wilson]

Bob, I agree with Steve

especially since you haul every year. Just fix the flaking areas annually and repaint when the marine growth at haul out embaresses you too much. Since you are already painting with two colors, I assume you are using an albative paint, but if not, if you ever take all the paint off, go with albative thereafter. And if you ever take all the paint off, barrier coat is always a good feature at resale. Scott

 

[Bob]

Thanks guys

Thanks for the info guys! I should have mentioed this in my original post but I've been using Interlux Micron CSC. It's suppose to be a multi-season paint and according to the spec sheet,"All that is needed to reactivate the paint in the spring is to wash the surface using a stiff brush or lightly powerwash."So I think I'll just remove the flakes that are "easy" to get off and then paint just the formerly flaked areas.