Best pain for the hull and keel on 31 hunter

[Grunt735]

she's out of the water on stands and id like to sand her down and repaint her hull. what the best paint for the money?
Ablative antifouling paint???


thanks in advance

 

[Davidasailor26]

Depends on what you’re planning to do- race the boat; leave it in the water with minimal maintenance; sail it seasonally? Each will have its own trade offs. The best choice also depends on where you keep the boat, in terms of water temperatures, salinity, and nutrient levels. Generally an ablative is a good safe choice for many uses, but not always.

Sanding off what’s there may also prove to be more work than you expect. Sanding bottom paint is not easy or fun work, and good PPE is advisable. Depending on the condition of the existing paint, and whether it’s compatible with what you want to use going forward, sanding it all off may or may not be best.

 

[sail sfbay]

Welcome to the forum!!

Best bottom paint depends on your location and how you plan to sail (race, cruise). Consult with your diver, boatyard, marina neighbors.

 

[Grunt735]

much appreciate your time. I'm currently a hobie Cat 18 Captain, and decided to move on up to the 31, have been sailing for four years- so still a newbie lol.

its in a slip in brunswick Ga, with high salinity, i won't be racing her,as i prefer to merely travel the local shores and maybe a port or two once i have a better feel for all the sheets on board.

 

[sail sfbay]

When you plan to bottom paint consider 2 coats.

 

[Grunt735]

i think thus far I'm leaning towards the "Composite Copper Technology" from west marine its the Ablative Antifouling Paint, unless someone with experience on this changes my mind.

thanks for the input.
Semper Fi

 

[sail sfbay]

My wife and I sanded and painted the bottom of our first Hunter 31. Last time.