Getting ready to haul out for spring and decided what type of paint to use on the bottom. For the past three seasons I have used Interelux ACT and painted ever season. Question..thinking about Pettit Trinidad SR or Interelux CSC...any thoughts on either or switching from an Ablative paint to a conventional antifouler? (Know the sanding part) Looking for ideals from those out there who use either and how it works around the bay. Appreciate any help! ...Larry... "Sandy Sea"
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ABLATIVE
Larry: I've used ablative paints for the past several years and will never go back to the "hard stuff." Both Interlux (my personal favorite) and Pettit both offer good ablatives and they are similarily priced. I'm also in Norfolk (haul at Cobb's every 18 mos) so we sail in the same conditions. Of course, ablative paint only really works if you have the opportunity to use the boat fairly often. If you only get out once or twice a month during the heavy fouling season, a hard paint would probably work fine, but of course you'll still have to deal with the paint buildup. Good luck and we'll see you on the water! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")
Larry: I've used ablative paints for the past several years and will never go back to the "hard stuff." Both Interlux (my personal favorite) and Pettit both offer good ablatives and they are similarily priced. I'm also in Norfolk (haul at Cobb's every 18 mos) so we sail in the same conditions. Of course, ablative paint only really works if you have the opportunity to use the boat fairly often. If you only get out once or twice a month during the heavy fouling season, a hard paint would probably work fine, but of course you'll still have to deal with the paint buildup. Good luck and we'll see you on the water! Tim Leighton (S/V "Magic")
Bottom paint
My boat is on the Upper Bay (Sassafrass River). I used Interlux's Micron extra with Biolux 2 years ago. Hauled it out this year and the bottom looked good. Will use it again this year with plans to haul out in 2004. Good luck.
My boat is on the Upper Bay (Sassafrass River). I used Interlux's Micron extra with Biolux 2 years ago. Hauled it out this year and the bottom looked good. Will use it again this year with plans to haul out in 2004. Good luck.
ACT works
I've had Interlux ACT applied twice now. After two years the boat was hauled with no growth other than on the keel, prop and shaft. What few barnacles grew near the waterline nearly fell off. I stuck with it. The practical Sailor that came yesterday has the latest bottom paint reviews for your information.
I've had Interlux ACT applied twice now. After two years the boat was hauled with no growth other than on the keel, prop and shaft. What few barnacles grew near the waterline nearly fell off. I stuck with it. The practical Sailor that came yesterday has the latest bottom paint reviews for your information.
Paint
Get the latest Practical Sailor article. They do a once a year review on bottom paints. It is very informative and detailed. Some very expensive paints do no better than discount brands sold under the West Marine or Boat US brands. Actually West Marine and Boat US(which buys from Interlux) matched up just fine to the brand names. Ablative is the choice of many because it slowly wears away eliminating the scraping that will eventually be necessary to remove the old built up (and no longer protective) paint.
Get the latest Practical Sailor article. They do a once a year review on bottom paints. It is very informative and detailed. Some very expensive paints do no better than discount brands sold under the West Marine or Boat US brands. Actually West Marine and Boat US(which buys from Interlux) matched up just fine to the brand names. Ablative is the choice of many because it slowly wears away eliminating the scraping that will eventually be necessary to remove the old built up (and no longer protective) paint.
Preparation
Larry et al What did you do to prepare the hull for repainting with ACT? The booklet recommends "heavy sanding." What are the practical solutions?
Larry et al What did you do to prepare the hull for repainting with ACT? The booklet recommends "heavy sanding." What are the practical solutions?
George's response
I agree with George. We've used Boat US Copper Coat with the same results as name brand paints costing twice as much.
I agree with George. We've used Boat US Copper Coat with the same results as name brand paints costing twice as much.
Jay Heavy Sanding
Jay, when we got our boat four seasons ago we had to very hard sand her to get the paint off...not stripped but alot of sanding to get all the flakes and such off. I looked like a blue smurf coming out of there afterwards (had protective clothing, goggles, etc on).
Jay, when we got our boat four seasons ago we had to very hard sand her to get the paint off...not stripped but alot of sanding to get all the flakes and such off. I looked like a blue smurf coming out of there afterwards (had protective clothing, goggles, etc on).
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